The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service are celebrating 26 years of partnership for the annual National Safe Boating Week. This year’s National Safe Boating Week will be held May 17-23, 2025.
National Safe Boating Week is held annually the week before Memorial Day as part of the NSBC’s Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by always boating responsibly and wearing a life jacket. The NSBC and NOAA offer safe boating resources at www.safeboatingcampaign.com/resources/national-safe-boating-week-toolkit and
https://www.weather.gov/safety/safeboating-week.
“Understanding how to interpret a weather forecast, including air and water temperatures, sustained wind speeds and gusts, advisories, storms, fronts, and much more is critical to ensuring a safe and responsible boating experience,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the NSBC, a national nonprofit that helps create a safe boating experience for all recreational boaters. The NSBC is a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, as a part of NOAA’s Weather Ready Nation™ initiative.
“Don’t be caught off guard by a summer thunderstorm while you are miles from shore on your boat,” said Allison Allen, director of Analyze, Forecast, and Support at the National Weather Service. “Get your forecast from weather.gov before you leave the dock and check for updates during your trip. Have a NOAA Weather Radio on board to alert you when a warning is issued. Always be prepared for whatever weather and water conditions you may face, and modify your plans if necessary.”
Furthermore, boaters should have at least two communications devices with them when on the water that work when wet. Satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, and personal locator beacons (PLB) are recommended. Some cell phone providers also offer satellite technology.
About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is a national catalyst for recreational boating safety and organizer of the Safe Boating Campaign, with support from boating safety advocates around the world. The Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information about the NSBC and its programs, please visitwww.safeboatingcouncil.org.
About NOAA
The NOAA’s National Weather Service is the official government source for weather forecasts, watches and warnings in the U.S. The National Weather Service’s marine forecasts provide timely weather information relating to U.S. coastal and offshore waters, the Great Lakes, and the open oceans to ensure the safety of life and protection of property, promote international and interstate commerce by improving the efficiency of marine operations, mitigate environmental impacts and enhance the quality of life for
the United States. NOAA’s National Ocean Service provides navigation products, such as nautical charts, tides, and currents, that protect lives, strengthen the maritime economy, and position America for the future.