As boaters prepare to enjoy one of the final holiday weekends of summer, the Safe Boating Campaign is encouraging everyone heading to the water this Labor Day weekend to make safe, responsible boating part of the plan.
Led by the National Safe Boating Council, the Safe Boating Campaign reminds boaters that a few simple decisions before and during every trip can help protect everyone on the water.
A life jacket can only help save a life when it is worn. Boaters and paddlers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted life jacket every time they are on or near the water rather than waiting for an emergency.
Check the label before you buy or wear a life jacket to ensure it provides the right buoyancy and is appropriate for your water activity. Boaters should also watch for counterfeit life jackets and use the end of the season as an opportunity to inspect and test the life jackets they already own.
According to the 2024 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, drowning was the reported cause of death in 76% of all boating fatalities, and 87% of drowning victims in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket.
An engine cut-off switch should also be used and is designed to stop a powerboat engine if the operator unexpectedly falls overboard. Using the device can help prevent a runaway vessel and reduce the risk of propeller-related injuries and fatalities. It is also required by law in applicable situations.
The 2024 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics reported 169 propeller accidents, resulting in 30 deaths and 158 injuries.
Paddlers should also take extra precautions during the busy holiday weekend. Paddlecraft deaths increased in 2024, including deaths involving canoes by 4.5%, kayaks by 16%, and standup paddleboards by 5%.
Before launching, paddlers should wear a life jacket, check conditions and equipment, understand the waterway, and be prepared for changing weather or an unexpected emergency.
Boating under the influence is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Alcohol can impair judgment, balance, and coordination, and its effects can be magnified while boating.
Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Plan ahead and designate a sober skipper before leaving the dock.
The Safe Boating Campaign encourages boaters to take these additional precautions before heading out this Labor Day weekend:
• Check your equipment: Make sure required safety equipment is on board, working properly, and in good condition. Boaters may also schedule a free vessel safety check with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or America’s Boating Club.
• File a float plan: Tell someone on shore where you are going, who is on board, your expected return time, vessel information, and the communication equipment you are carrying.
• Watch the weather: Check the forecast before leaving and continue monitoring conditions throughout the day. Follow local weather advisories and return to shore before conditions become unsafe.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Maintain a proper lookout and pay attention to other vessels, swimmers, hazards, and changing conditions.
• Know where you are going and travel at a safe speed: Become familiar with the waterway and local boating speed zones, and operate at a speed appropriate for the conditions and surrounding traffic.
• Carry reliable communication devices: Have more than one way to call for help, especially devices that can function when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cellular devices with GPS technology can all be important resources during an emergency.
Preparation, awareness, and responsible choices can help ensure Labor Day weekend remains a safe and memorable celebration on the water.
The Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The campaign offers a variety of free and paid resources to support local boating safety education efforts. Learn more at www.safeboatingcampaign.com.
About the National Safe Boating Council
Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.
Request a media interview at www.safeboatingcouncil.org/request-media-interview.