Boating Safety Tips

When You’re Out On the Water

These basic boat safety rules below can be a lifesaver.

• Know where you’re at and where you’re going.
• Watch out for changing weather, and give yourself enough time to get to safety if needed.
• Scan the horizon to keep from getting tunnel vision, which could keep you from seeing another boat.
• Get comfortable with federal and state regulations, and follow them. (That includes paying attention to waterway markers.)
• Keep in mind that if you’re driving a jet ski, you might be less visible to other boaters.

Safe Boating In Rough Water

You’re out on the water and a storm rolls in. Do you know what to do?

• Have everyone on board put on their PFDs and sit in bottom of the boat near the center-line.
• Slow the boat down, but don’t stop completely.
• Keep the bilge pumps running.
• Turn on the boat’s running lights.
• Point the bow of boat into the waves at a 45-degree angle.
• If there’s a safe shore nearby, head for it.
• If the boat’s engine dies, trail the anchor from the bow so the boat will keep heading into the waves.
• If you need to, anchor the boat completely.

Being out on your boat puts you further from help than you might expect, even if you’re just a few hundred feet from shore. Play it safe by following the guidelines below. But don’t stop there. Learn as much as you can about boating safety from reliable sources like the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons®. (You can even get a discount for certain courses.)

Before You Raise Anchor

Heading for open waters? Taking good care of your personal watercraft, engine, and safety equipment while the craft is docked will make for smooth sailing later on.

• Give your boat a full check-up from bow to stern. Be sure to test the:
  • Radio
  • Lights
  • Steering
  • Gauges
  • Fuel level
  • Bilge pump
  • Anchor
• Make sure you’ve got the right safety equipment on board, that it’s in good shape, and that you know how to use it.
• File a float plan with a relative or friend.
• Know your boat. Get familiar with its controls and how it handles, so you won’t be surprised when you’re out.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Make sure you have enough PFDs for all your passengers, and check that they fit right.

For more safety tips and maintenance information, check out the U.S. Coast Guard web site.