In 2020, Americans bought a lot of boats including 82,000 personal watercraft, 13,000 wake boats and 143,000 freshwater fishing boats and pontoons. That means more boats and boaters on the water than ever before. And many of them are still learning the ropes. Make sure you’re prepared and take a boater education course. When you’re on the water, always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket and get expert tips and advice on our Safety hub. We need safe boating, now more than ever.
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include: wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence (BUI); successfully completing a boating safety course; and getting a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons®, or your state boating agency’s Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.
