National Safe Boating Week 2026 Is May 16-22

As summer time approaches and boats come out of storage, National Safe Boating Week serves as an essential reminder that security on the water is a year-round duty. This yr, the observance runs Could 16 by means of 22, 2026, simply forward of the busy Memorial Day weekend that kicks off peak boating season throughout the nation.

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking to construct on a milestone yr. In 2024, there have been 556 boating-related fatalities nationwide, the fewest recorded in additional than 50 years, although 2025 numbers have but to be launched.

Nonetheless, the work is way from over. Drowning was the reason for demise in 76 p.c of these fatalities, and 87 p.c of those that drowned weren’t carrying a life jacket. Alcohol was the main contributing consider 20 p.c of cruising deaths the place a main trigger was identified.

These are preventable tragedies, and Nationwide Secure Boating Week exists to maintain that progress shifting in the proper course.

Coast Guard officers and security consultants emphasize the identical core practices each season. At all times put on a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that matches correctly and is suited to your exercise. A life jacket saved under deck is not any assist in an emergency. File a float plan earlier than leaving the dock, sharing your vacation spot, route, and anticipated return time with somebody on shore. By no means boat underneath the affect, and at all times designate a sober skipper.

Past the fundamentals, a radical pre-departure guidelines is important each time you launch. Examine your engine and all security tools, together with hearth extinguishers, navigation lights, and signaling gadgets. Verify the climate forecast earlier than heading out and keep alert to altering situations even on clear days. Know your boat’s capability and by no means overload it with passengers or gear. Ensure communication gadgets, like a VHF marine radio or cellphone, are charged and prepared.

Probably the most priceless steps any boater can take is finishing a boating security course. These programs cowl navigation guidelines, emergency procedures, and tools dealing with, giving each new and skilled boaters the information to deal with no matter comes their manner on the water. The Coast Guard Auxiliary additionally affords free vessel security checks to make sure all important tools is current, working, and in good situation earlier than the season will get underway.

Whether or not you’re a seasoned captain or model new to boating, Nationwide Secure Boating Week is an efficient alternative to recommit to the habits that hold everybody on the water secure. Simply do not forget that these habits shouldn’t cease when the week ends. Secure boating is a duty that lasts all season lengthy.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning out of doors journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Impartial Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith electronic mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com