National Boating Safety Week: 11 Tips for Staying Safe on the Water

May 15, 2025

National Boating Safety Week, coming up soon from May 17-23, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada, is designed to promote awareness of boating safety measures to reduce accidents on the water.

Approximately 100 recreational boaters die yearly in Canadian waters, with 80% of those fatalities coming from not wearing life jackets. Another common cause of boating deaths is alcohol, with it being a factor in nearly 50% of fatal accidents.

In the U.S., in 2023, there were 564 boat-related deaths, with 75% of those deaths happening with a boat operator that had no boating safety education.

We don't share these statistics to scare you but rather to make you aware of the dangers of boating. However, you can help reduce boating fatalities and other accidents by carrying the proper safety equipment and taking safety seriously throughout the season.

Here are eleven tips for staying safe on the water during National Boating Safety Week (and beyond) to reduce the risk to yourself and others.

An infographic showing eleven ways to stay safe on the water, National Boating Safety Week concept.

1. Always Wear a Life Jacket

Wearing a life jacket is the best way to reduce boating accidents and fatalities. Every person on your boat should have a Transport Canada-approved or U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).

Life jackets should fit correctly and be appropriate for the kind of boat you have and the activities you do. If you take infants and children with you, ensure they have the right size life jackets and always wear them.

2. Complete a Boating Safety Course for National Boating Safety Week

Education is an essential key to safe boating. With both online and in-person courses, it's easy to take a boating safety course at a convenient time.

Boaters who take safety courses have fewer accidents and are better prepared to handle emergencies on their vessel. BOATERexam makes it easy (and fun) to take a course that meets the requirements for your state or Transport Canada.

3. Check Your Boat's Safety Equipment

A safety equipment checklist helps ensure you don't forget the essentials and helps prepare you for an emergency.

Your checklist should include:

Life jackets
A fire extinguisher
Navigation lights
A first-aid kit
Sound-producing devices
Visual distress signals.

Ensure that you regularly inspect and maintain safety gear.

Boater holds a fire extinguisher on a boat, things boating safety advocates suggest concept.

4. Plan Your Trip in Advance

A float pan is used to help rescuers find you in an emergency. Before you leave the dock, file a float plan with someone you trust.

Also, take the time to check weather forecasts before heading out, and ensure you know the local navigation rules. Your vessel should have maps and/or GPS for added safety, especially in unfamiliar waters.

5. Avoid Alcohol While Boating (and Not Just During National Safe Boating Week)

Boating under the influence (BUI) is extremely dangerous and also illegal.

Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times and increases accident risks, all of which can put you and others at risk. You should designate a sober captain or avoid having any alcohol on your boating adventure.

6. Understand Your Boat's Capacity

Boats have weight and passenger limits, and you don't want to exceed them.

Overloading your vessel can affect its stability and increase the risk of capsizing. You also risk damaging your boat if you overload it with too much weight, too many people, or both.

Boat operator with a radio for communication and safety.

7. Practice Proper Navigation and Communication

Navigation basics and right-of-way rules are crucial when boating. You don't want to accidentally end up in the path of another boat with the potential to cause a collision.

Additionally, you must be sure you can communicate with others, especially in an emergency. Using VHF radios or other communication devices can help increase safety.

8. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Being prepared for an emergency can help you get through it as well as possible.

To be ready, practice emergency drills for man-overboard situations, fire, and capsizing, as these are the three most likely emergencies you'll face when boating. Have a waterproof emergency contact list onboard your vessel, and be knowledgeable of local emergency numbers.

9. Inspect Your Boat Regularly

Routine maintenance is critical to boating safety and helps ensure that engines, bilges, and electrical systems are in good condition. Along with a maintenance schedule, boating safety advocates suggest you always conduct a pre-departure safety check to reduce risk and catch problems quickly.

Close-up of someone working on a boat propeller, national safe boating week concept.

10. Stay Updated on Local and Federal Regulations

You should always review and follow federal and state boating regulations or province-specific rules for your local area. Following the law helps keep you safe and reduces your risk of fines or other issues.

11. Use Technology Wisely

Technology like GPS, depth finders, and boating safety apps provide a safer experience for new and more experienced boaters. Still, technology can fail, so it's essential to have backup options such as paper charts and a compass.

Three women with boater safety cards on a boat, National Boating Safety Week concept.

Start National Boating Safety Week with a Boater Safety Course

Safe boating isn't just a personal responsibility. It also helps ensure the safety of others on the water. When you practice boating safety and share tips with fellow boaters, you help spread awareness during National Boating Safety Week and throughout the boating season.

Get started on boating safety by taking a boater education course with BOATERexam! You'll learn about water safety, navigation rules, emergency procedures, and more.

In Canada, take our course approved by Transport Canada.
In the U.S., choose the course for your state and enjoy safe boating adventures this season.