MENDOCINO CO., 5/19/25 – This week is National Safe Boating Week, and the U.S. Coast Guard is asking mariners, pleasure boaters and beachgoers to practice safe recreational boating.
National Safe Boating Week kicks off the unofficial start for boating season.
According to the Coast Guard, in 2023 there were 3,844 incidents involving 564 deaths, 2,126 injuries and $63 million dollars of property damage due to recreational boating incidents. Additionally, 87% of drowning victims were not wearing life vests.
The Coast Guard encourages boaters to adhere to the following:
- Wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets that are properly fitted and secured.
- Use a VHF radio before any other form of communication in the event of an emergency.
- Use an engine cut-off switch. Learn more here.
- Keep a locator beacon handy in case you need to be located by the Coast Guard.
- Check weather, swell and tide conditions before and during your time underway.
- Dress for the water temperature, not the weather.
- Do not drink alcohol and boat. Alcohol use is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents.
- Take a free boating safety course to learn navigation rules.
- Get a free Vessel Safety Check. Examiners check your dry boat to make sure it meets federal safety guidelines.
- File a float plan by telling someone where you are going and when you will be back. That way you can be found in the event of an emergency.
- Download the free Coast Guard Boating Safety app which allows you to file a float plan, request assistance, request a vessel safety check and report pollution and hazards to navigation.
- Label kayaks and paddle craft with free “IF FOUND” labels. That way the crafts can be returned to you if they are lost.
The Coast Guard also advises that beachgoers should be aware of dangers such as cool water, dangerous surf, rip currents and sneaker waves. Check the daily surf report before heading to the beach.