Carlos Galindo on one of his boats
Captain Trusts His Instincts in Long-Shot Rescue
Carlos Galindo used his instincts and local knowledge to save a boater's life.
Rental boat safety
Safe Boating Tips for Rental Customers
Top boating safety tips for beginners and pros.
Fishing family wearing life jackets
What’s the Difference Between a Life Jacket and a PFD?
And what do the Coast Guard’s new life jacket labels have to do with Sir Isaac Newton.
Aaron Carotta's rowboat
The Pocket-Sized Beacon That Could Save Your Life
Aaron Carotta's dramatic rescue from the mid-Pacific is the best argument to carry a Personal Locator...

Safety Videos

Explore our collection of tips, techniques and lessons learned to help new and seasoned boaters alike.

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Boating Safety Videos

7 Videos

Safety Tips

Family wearing life jackets while fishing
Ordering Life Jackets Online
Learn why U.S. Coast Guard approval is essential for safety and how to ensure your child's life jacket...
DeNell with FWC officers
After a Devastating Loss, One Family’s Resilience Leads to a Lifesaving Rescue
The Aqua Alert system makes others aware of ongoing water searches in an effort to improve rescue outcomes.
Carlos Galindo on one of his boats
Captain Trusts His Instincts in Long-Shot Rescue
Carlos Galindo used his instincts and local knowledge to save a boater's life.
Rental boat safety
Safe Boating Tips for Rental Customers
Top boating safety tips for beginners and pros.
Fishing family wearing life jackets
What’s the Difference Between a Life Jacket and a PFD?
And what do the Coast Guard’s new life jacket labels have to do with Sir Isaac Newton.
Aaron Carotta's rowboat
The Pocket-Sized Beacon That Could Save Your Life
Aaron Carotta's dramatic rescue from the mid-Pacific is the best argument to carry a Personal Locator...
Kids on a boat
A Boating Dad’s Guide To Navigation
Follow Professor Dad's captivating journey as he imparts essential boating knowledge to his curious daughters,...
Two PWC on the water
PWC Safety Tips
PWC tips to make your next ride fun and as safe as possible.
Safety Tips

Boat Handling

Improving Boating Skills
Brush Up On Your Boating Skills
The best time to improve your boating knowledge is now.
Pontoon boaters
The Lucky 7: Rules for Safe Pontoon Cruising
Pontoon boats are one of the most fun watercraft on the water and it's easy to be safe as long as you...
A boat on the water at sunset.
Keep a Proper Lookout
As boat captain, it's your responsibility to maintain an unobstructed view from the helm.
Engine cut-off switch worn at the helm
What Boaters Need to Know About the New Engine Cut-Off Switch Law
New law aims to reduce the problem of runaway boats and propeller strikes.
Duck hunters throwing out decoys
Safe Boating Tips for Waterfowl Hunters
A few simple precautions to dramatically reduce the risk of your next hunt.
Tim Bower illustration
I Learned About Boating From This: Ignoring The Signs
Ignoring boat engine gauges creates a safety hazard.
Anchoring tips when leaving the sandbar
Boat Anchoring Safety
How bungled anchor handling almost caused a tragedy.
PWC operator safety
Personal Watercraft Safety
As a PWC operator, you must follow all general boating laws and regulations, as well as some rules and...
Boat Handling

Emergency Procedures

Aaron Carotta's rowboat
The Pocket-Sized Beacon That Could Save Your Life
Aaron Carotta's dramatic rescue from the mid-Pacific is the best argument to carry a Personal Locator...
Coast Guard practicing overboard boater rescue
How to Rescue an Overboard Boater
What you should do when a crewmember falls overboard.
Avoiding Flooding Tips
Avoiding, or Dealing with, Flooding
Central to enjoyable boating is keeping water out of the boat.
Don’t Become a Recreational-Boating Fatality Statistic
Boating Accident? Don’t Forget to Report!
Boating Accident? Don’t Forget to Report!
Guidelines for filing an accident report.
File a Float Plan: Help Others Help You
File a Float Plan: Help Others Help You
Learn how to create a proper float plan.
boat submerged under water
Capsized or Swamped: Stay with the Boat!
How to increase your chance of being rescued.
man overboard
Reporting Your Boating Accident
Filing a report helps identify boat defects, hazardous conditions.
Emergency Procedures

Safety Gear

Fishing family wearing life jackets
What’s the Difference Between a Life Jacket and a PFD?
And what do the Coast Guard’s new life jacket labels have to do with Sir Isaac Newton.
ECOS with lanyard
Emergency Cut-Off Switch Link Requirements and Options
Whether you choose to use the hardwired switch installed by your manufacturer, or a wireless fob, always...
Inflatable life jackets
Inflatable Life Jackets: Styles and How They Work
Inflatable life jackets are comfortable, compact and come in a number of styles. Here's how they work...
Child slips out of life jacket
Penny Wise, Lifetime Foolish
Prioritize safety: Don't skimp on life jackets when buying a boat. Learn the risks of choosing the wrong...
Engine Cutoff Devices
Why You Should Always Use Your Engine Cutoff Device
Simple and mechanical, it’s practically foolproof—if you’re wearing it.
Life Jacket Safety
Life Jacket Super Hero
Life jackets must be worn properly to save lives.
A sailboat on the waters.
Life Jacket Extras
There are many ways beyond flotation in which your life jacket can become your best friend.
Wearing life jackets while boating
The Life Jacket Worn is the One That Can Save You
One doesn’t look foolish in a life jacket. One looks responsible.
Safety Gear
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Stay safe on the water with boating safety tips, video PSAs, and resources brought to you in partnership with the Water Sports Foundation through non-profit grant projects funded by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the United States Coast Guard. Copyright © 2024 Boating Safety Firecrown. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.