05/05/2025
๐ค๐ May is Safe Boating Month! ๐๐ค
As we kick off the season of fun on the water, let's all remember to boat responsibly. Together, we can make this boating season safe and enjoyable for everyone. ๐
Always wear a life jacket. Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway.
Have a Marine VHF Radio. While everyone has a cell phone, they may go out of range or lose battery power when needed most. VHF channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency and can be used to reach the Coast Guard during emergencies.
Register and carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). A locator beacon can help us find you faster. You can register your beacon at: https://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/register-your-beacon/.
Know your navigation rules. The Navigation Rules are much like the rules of the road on the highway. They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats cross paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another.
Never boat under the influence. Alcohol consumption remains the single-greatest contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
File a float plan.
Take a boating safety course.
Use your engine cut-off switch.
Have a Marine VHF Radio. While everyone has a cell phone, they may go out of range or run out of battery power when needed most. VHF channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency, which can be used to contact the Coast Guard during emergencies.ncies.