The Unofficial Start of Summer: Boating Season with Safety in Mind

For many, Memorial Day signals the unofficial start of summer, ushering in a season of outdoor activities like barbecues, picnics, and water-related fun. I encourage you to have fun, but I would also ask that you first pause and remember the sacrifice and loss of the many members of the military who died in service protecting our nation.

The weekend also marks the beginning of boating season—a time when I eagerly anticipate hitting the water, whether on a boat or jet ski, often with one of my grandsons leading the way if they happen to find me on the jet ski.

As we dive into another boating season, it's essential to remember that safety should always be our top priority. The statistics are sobering: in 2022, the Coast Guard reported 4,040 accidents involving 636 deaths, 2,222 injuries, and approximately $63 million in property damage due to recreational boating accidents. "Boating under the influence continues to be one of the leading causes of accidents and deaths within the boating community,” says Doug Leavell, Coast Guard District Eleven Recreational Boating Safety Specialist. “When it comes to boating and alcohol, save it for the shore!” I was just reminded this morning of another life lost on my home lake here in Kentucky that occurred over the weekend. As a safety practitioner, these events are easily mitigated with just a few changes in how we manage safety on the water.

Here are some essential safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water:

Life Jackets: A Non-Negotiable

Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway. Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents, and in over 80% of these cases, the individuals weren’t wearing a life jacket. There’s often no time to locate and don one in an emergency.

• Ensure proper fit: For adults, your chest size—not your weight—determines the correct size of your Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Measure the circumference of your chest at its broadest point and use the PFD manufacturer's size recommendations to find the right fit. For children, use their weight to determine the correct size: infant PFDs (8–30 pounds), child PFDs (30–50 pounds), and youth PFDs (50–90 pounds).

Avoid Alcohol on the Water

Don’t drink and boat. Alongside wearing a life jacket, avoiding alcohol is one of the simplest ways to prevent accidental deaths on the water. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 16% of deaths where the primary cause was known. Operating vessels under the influence poses a serious threat to everyone on board.

Plan Ahead

• Use a VHF radio for emergencies: Cell phones can go out of range or lose battery power at critical moments. Familiarize yourself with using a VHF radio.
• Take a boating safety course: Organizations like the Coast Guard Auxiliary offer valuable courses on boat handling.
• Get a vessel safety check: The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free safety inspections to ensure you have all the required gear and safety equipment.
• Check the weather and tides: Conditions can change rapidly, so always review the forecast and tides before heading out.
• File a float plan: Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time. A float plan can be crucial in locating you if something goes wrong.
• Know your navigation rules: Properly navigating waterways and maintaining lookouts are essential for the safety of everyone on board and around you.

As we gear up for another thrilling boating season, prioritize safety to ensure our time on the water is fun and secure. Happy boating!