National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 17-23, 2025, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.  The  U.S. Coast Guard urges all Americans to take a moment to reflect on the boating behaviors that will keep you, your loved ones, and those around you safe while on the water.

Stay Safe

A-Jay

 

Year after year boaters here seem so surprised and even appauled every time people kill each other and themselves on the water.

Thread has 23 whole views.

Might be a sign how the subject matter 

can so easily be overlooked, taken for granted and even disregarded as something that only happens to someone else. 

We're All someone else.

Stay Safe

A-Jay

 

 

 

22 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

We're All someone else.

I got taught safe boating by an expert - I think even you'll agree he was qualified, Andy

 

Grand-uncle JW

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Year after year boaters here seem so surprised and even appauled every time people kill each other and themselves on the water.

Thread has 23 whole views.

Might be a sign how the subject matter 

can so easily be overlooked, taken for granted and even disregarded as something that only happens to someone else. 

We're All someone else.

Stay Safe

A-Jay

 

 

 

Kinda like $700 rod & reel set but won’t spend $ on good PFD. 

Mildly ironic that it’s the week before Memorial Day weekend, when boat season really kicks off

13 minutes ago, VolFan said:

Mildly ironic that it’s the week before Memorial Day weekend, when boat season really kicks off

Scheduled purposely every year at this very time for that very reason. 

Let's hope THIS is the year it makes a difference.

A-Jay

It’ll never make ALL the difference, but if it makes SOME difference then it’s worth it.

It’s a nice reminder.  Safety cannot be taken lightly. A guy from my old hood just died a couple of weeks ago, rough water, small boat tipped, no life jacket. Today on the news was someone installing a buoy in a creek, they’re searching for him now but his like jacket is rolling around at a dam.  I wish I could chalk it up to not knowing?  But when I see people kayaking in 40 degree water without a life jacket, it blows my mind. Aren’t people typically fearsome of water?

30 minutes ago, Craig P said:

Aren’t people typically fearsome of water?

I’m not afraid of the water but I still respect it. I grew up on a swim team so I feel very comfortable in the water. My 6 year old son is currently taking swim lessons at this time because I don’t want him to be intimated by water.

 

I see a lot of people not wearing a PFD too. In boats, yaks, even on paddle boards.

 

State law says it has to be “accessible” here. So that’s what the majority of people do. Until that changes I don’t see more people wearing it.

 

I wear mine while on plane. I take it off while I fish.

 

 

36 minutes ago, gim said:

I’m not afraid of the water but I still respect it

Same here - learned swimming the Boys Club when I was 6-7, took to it like a fish to water (snicker)

Got my SCUBA certification when I was 17 - actually was a volunteer on the SAR unit up north for a couple years.

 

I still wear my PFD when on a boat - all the time...never know when something will happen.

 

38 minutes ago, gim said:

State law says it has to be “accessible” here. So that’s what the majority of people do. Until that changes I don’t see more people wearing it.

I don't think it will change - you remember how hard people fought the seat-belt law? It was a madhouse...and there's still people who get cited for not wearing it, pay the fine, and continue to not wear it.

My safety tip; Memorial weekend is no time for a sane angler to be on the water!

Tom

 

@A-Jay

 

How does this factor into safe boating week?  What would be the preparations for this?

 

https://www.waff.com/2025/05/24/boater-hospitalized-after-being-struck-by-lightning-lake-guntersville/

14 minutes ago, Smirak said:

@A-Jay

 

How does this factor into safe boating week?  What would be the preparations for this?

 

https://www.waff.com/2025/05/24/boater-hospitalized-after-being-struck-by-lightning-lake-guntersville/

 #4

Lots of good information already shared.  I'll add one more.  Keep a proper lookout.  This should be a no brainer when operating the boat but many of us forget about it when we shut off the big motor and start fishing.  This is important with all the new operators on the water and the crowded conditions we face on more and more lakes.  It's important day or night.  This is especially true if you're in a blind spot or near the channel.