It’s boating season. Are you prepared to take the water?

According a June 2022 U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) report, there were 658 boating fatalities nationwide in 2021.

The good news is that boating accident deaths declined 16 percent from 2020. There are basic safety precautions all boaters can take to make sure that downward trend continues.

One of the most important is to always wear a life jacket. Of drowning incidents in 2021 where life-jacket usage is known, 83 percent were not wearing a life jacket, according to USCG. This rule holds true even if you don’t plan to get in the water. Being on a boat puts you at risk no matter how safe it may seem.

Before your first boat launch

Take a boater education course

Whether you’re a novice boater or someone who’s skilled on the water, it’s a great idea to take boating education classes, even if it’s just to refresh your memory. In fact, depending on your age or state laws, a boater education course may be required.

You could save a life — even your own.

Boat safety equipment

Boat safety required items

No matter what boat you launch, your boat must have certain required items aboard:

Personal floatation devices (PFDs): To meet USCG requirements for PFDs, a boat must have a USCG-approved life jacket for each person aboard. All states have regulations regarding life jackets for children. Make sure any pint-sized sailors understand the importance of keeping them on. Lastly, check that the life jackets on board are easily accessible — don’t lock them away or have geared stored on top of them.
Throwable flotation device: Often a ring, horseshoe, or cushion, these can be thrown to a person in the water.
Visual signaling device (VSD): If you’re going to be on a body of water more than 2 nautical miles wide, you will need to have USCG-approved visual distress signal on board. Depending on the size of your boat — and whether it’s day or night — accepted VSDs can include strobe lights, flashlights, a signal mirror, or red or orange flags.
Sound signaling device: A boat must carry a sound-producing device such as a whistle, horn, or siren capable of a 4-second blast audible for half a mile.
Fire extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are required for motorboats.
Engine cut-off switch (ECOS) link: As of April 1, 2021, boats with an installed ECOS require the operator to use an ECOS link — usually a coiled bungee cord lanyard clipped to the cut-off switch and worn by the operator.

Depending on your vessel and where you launch your boat, there may be additional federal, state, and local regulations. Check the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators' site for state-specific information.

Boat safety recommended items

First aid/emergency kit
Something that can be used to bail water out of your boat (e.g., a bucket)
Anchor with line
Secondary propulsion, such as oars or paddles (if the boat’s engine quits)
Cellphone (to call for help and to get weather updates)
Marine radio (to call for help and to get weather updates)
Heavy duty flashlight
Skier or diver down flag

You may also find it helpful to keep items such as a knife, snorkel mask, flashlight, and compass to aid you when the unexpected happens on the water.

Get a vessel safety check

Even experienced boaters can benefit from a second pair of eyes. Getting an official vessel safety check takes 15–30 minutes and can be done in your driveway. It’s free, easy, and gives you the peace of mind that will make taking to the water more enjoyable.

Read more from the USCG Auxiliary about the benefits of a vessel safety check (VSC). You can also sign up for a VSC at your boat on the USCG Auxiliary site.

Before each boat launch

Plan your trip

Are those gray clouds you see overhead? Are the waters choppy and unpredictable today? Do you have what you need onboard? Unlike driving, taking the boat out for a spin requires more preparation than just having a full tank of gas (though you do need that, too). Discover Boating has a safe boating checklist available to help make sure you have everything.

Boat sober

You may think that you’re safer behind the wheel of a boat than you are a car after a few beers, but there’s no difference between driving a car intoxicated and captaining a boat intoxicated. In fact, alcohol was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boat accidents in 2021, according to data compiled by USCG.

Don’t drink and boat.

Breathe easy

Carbon monoxide (CO) — an odorless, poisonous gas — is emitted by all boat engines and onboard motor generators. Even though boating is an outdoor activity, CO accumulates in and around your boat. Carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be mistaken for seasickness and kill quickly.

Be aware of the risk, make sure your watercraft has sufficient ventilation, properly install and maintain equipment, and use CO detectors if your boat has living and sleeping areas.

Contact an agent

2/2023