The recreational boating industry’s elite members celebrated the launch of the reimagined Boating Industry Top 100 Awards during a black-tie gala on Nov. 16, 2022 on the final evening of the Boating Industry ELEVATE SUMMIT in Orlando, FL.

Dates have been set for the 2023 Mariners Weather Hazards Workshop, hosted by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), to be held in Miami, FL and online March 14-16, 2023.

Two senior RBFF staff members have been promoted.

The world’s largest paid-circulation magazine, Reader’s Digest, recently published a paddling safety story written as part of the Water Sports Foundation program Lessons for Life: Accidents as Learning Experiences. The WSF content director Jeff Moag wrote the article, “Nightmare on Lake Superior,” which was first published in Men’s Journal and Paddling magazine.

Nearly one month after making landfall September 28 as a Category 4 storm, Hurricane Ian is still challenging TowBoatUS cleanup crews tasked with salvaging thousands of recreational vessels damaged or destroyed by the historic storm – one of the deadliest in the state’s history.

The Sea Tow Foundation, with support from MarineMax and Sea Tow International, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of its 1,000^th Life Jacket Loaner Stand at the Seminole Street Boat Ramp in Clearwater, FL.

A fully all-star stacked production team that has produced hit shows like Wicked Tuna, Deadliest Catch and Dexter just to name a few, is speeding toward the launch of a sunshine state lifestyle show sure to appeal to all audiences who have a passion for fishing, boating, travel, beach life and planet-saving conservation.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) have announced a date and opened registration for the next free online USCG/ABYC Risk Mitigation Series. The third webinar of the series will be “Defect Notification and Product Recalls” held Nov. 9, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. EDT.

From BoatUS: With the pandemic putting more people than ever on the water and consequent rise in boating accidents and fatalities, there’s some better news in the newly released 2021 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics. What’s influencing these latest boating safety numbers?

Rental Boat Safety ramps up boating safety content specific to rental customers in tandem with the 2022 Boating Season. In 2021, through the use of RentalBoatSafety.com’s educational boating safety resources, newsletters, social media tips, and more, the Rental Boat Safety Campaign reached over 1 million individuals, and then another 500,000 directly through the customers of active liveries in the RentalBoatSafety.com online community.

Once again this year, officers in collaboration with local, state and federal agencies will be teaming up for Operation Dry Water (ODW). Law enforcement officers will be on heightened alert for those violating boating under the influence laws, as well as spreading awareness about the dangers associated with BUI.

Seeing a whale while out at sea is an exciting experience, but it can also result in accidental collisions that are harmful for both the boater and the whale. Follow these 6 straightforward tips to safely and responsibly watch whales from your boat!

Fifty-two million Americans age 6+ went fishing in 2021, according to preliminary data from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) 2022 Special Report on Fishing. Down slightly from 2020, fishing participation exceeded 50 million for the second time in 14 years, posting gains over 2019 and supporting a six-year upward trend.

Bassmaster angler Hunter Bland shares his story of a boating accident and why it’s important to wear a life jacket when out on the water.

The Deckee data analytics platform is now welcoming new partners looking for actionable insights into boating activity on their waterways.

Deckee provides the public with a free, feature packed boating app, generating over 15 million new data points every month to deliver unprecedented analytics to our partners.

Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recently published the 2021 Operation Dry Water Annual Report. This report includes more details on the enforcement results, an overview of the campaign’s media exposure and highlights from the 2021 weekend.

April 20th, also known as 420, has become synonymous with marijuana use and for some, the date is considered a marijuana “holiday.” On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. To help keep drug-impaired operators off the water, Operation Dry Water is working to spread awareness that drug-impaired operation of any kind is dangerous and illegal.

Earlier this month, NOAA launched a dedicated Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Marine Ambassador network designed to help strengthen our national resilience against extreme weather events and marine weather hazards. Help spread the word!

A rite of passage for every boater is the annual spring commissioning. Newly added to the boat owners to-do list this spring will be to check all disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguisher dates of manufacture, as well as the label for their U.S. Coast Guard classification.

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced the findings from a comprehensive study conducted by Left Brain Marketing, Inc. with individuals who purchased a boat in 2020 or 2021. The study was fielded to better identify and understand challenges associated with boat shopping and ownership experiences.

America’s Boating Channel™ is now saluting United States Power Squadrons volunteer participants in field production and preparing to launch a “Today’s Feature” promotion of its fifth season of boating safety and boater education videos to run in February.

TowBoatUS Knapps Narrows, Maryland, owned by Capt. Mary Gilmer, was awarded “Tower of the Year” at the recent annual gathering of the TowBoatUS fleet. The coveted Tower of the Year award recognizes professionalism in providing recreational boaters with 24/7 on-water towing and assistance services. This includes a near-perfect 24-hour towing dispatch operation, high customer satisfaction surveys and on-water towing case management.

Each year, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) asks stakeholders to participate in an annual survey to ensure that RBFF’s resources, activities, programs, and the consumer-facing Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar brands are directly supporting growth in recreational fishing and boating.

Your responses to this survey have a direct impact on RBFF’s ability to provide meaningful programs, products, and services, so we ask that you please take a few moments to share your candid thoughts. Please participate today by clicking here.

On Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced its intention to issue a set of interim rules on certain covered small passenger vessels. The rules address many of the safety recommendations the NTSB issued as a result of its investigation of the September 2, 2019, fire aboard the marine vessel Conception.

In 2021, USACE partners rose to the challenge again to face another year of adversity operating amid a global pandemic. Despite these difficult times, the USACE Natural Resource Management (NRM) partnership program grew even stronger through the collaborative efforts and unwavering support from thousands of dedicated organizations and individuals.

With President Biden’s signing today of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), you may have mistakenly thought that only road, bridge, rail, power and water infrastructure, public transit, drinking and wastewater, high speed internet, environmental, and clean energy interests may benefit. The nation’s largest advocacy, services, and safety group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), says recreational boaters also made some significant gains on the bill touted as a “once-in-a-generation investment in our infrastructure.”

During the US Sailing Annual Meeting and Stakeholder’s Summit this weekend in Jamestown, Rhode Island, the US Sailing Board of Directors introduced new President Rich Jepsen, along with two re-elected Board Members, Charlie Arms and John Schoendorf, and one new Board Member Stan Honey. Jepsen will serve a three-year term as President and Chair of the Board (Nov. 2021-Fall 2024) and concurrently Arms will take over as Director Secretary for a three-year term as well. Schoendorf will continue as Director Treasurer for a four-year term (Nov. 2021-Fall 2025) and Honey will serve a one-year term as Elected Director (Nov. 2021-Fall 2022).

On Tuesday, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released its 2020 report on outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact, which confirmed that boating and fishing remain the number one contributor to this critical sector of the U.S. economy.

Mr. Albert Marmo of Bowie, Maryland, and formerly of Moosic, passed away Monday, Nov. 1, at his home. He held various management positions in the National Recreational Boating Safety Program, and was selected to the National Safe Boating Council Boating Safety Hall of Fame in 2003.

The Pre-Owned Boat Market section of NMMA’s 2020 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available. This report includes retail unit sales data, retail market values, average price information, and pre-owned boat sales trends from 2008-2020. Data from the report show pre-owned boat sales exceeded one million units in 2020 for the first time since 2006 to reach 1.05 million boats, an 8.6% increase compared to 2019.

The tenth video in America’s Boating Channel’s™ Season Five of boating safety and boater education videos, “BASIC MARINE COMMUNICATIONS,” will premiere this Friday afternoon November 5 at 4 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the internet and through social media.

After Alex Korkishko’s raft hit a rock, Alex’s 75-year-old father fell into a cold, rushing Alaskan river. It was up to Alex, his friend Bryan and son Max to come to the rescue, and fortunately, they were prepared. He shared the story with Garmin.

The eighth video in America’s Boating Channel’s™ Season Five of boating safety and boater education videos, “FIRE EXTINGUISHER STANDARDS,” will premiere this Friday afternoon October 22 at 4 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the internet and through social media.

To prevent your boat from becoming a winter storage statistic, BoatUS has a three question, true-false quiz for boaters to test their winterizing knowledge and also offers a free Boater’s Guide to Winterizing that includes a two-page winterizing checklist, as well as other winterizing resources, at BoatUS.com/Winterization.

The third video in America’s Boating Channel’s™ Season Five of boating safety and boater education videos, “INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS,” will premiere this Friday afternoon September 17 at 4 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the internet and through social media.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) reminds boaters to “Get Connected” and use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) every time they go powerboating to keep them and others safe on the water.

Australian company Deckee today announced the official launch of their free app and safe boating platform in the United States. This coincides with a new partnership with the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), which will see the organizations collaborate on promoting safe boating and responsible boat ownership across America.

The Coast Guard has issued a policy letter on obtaining Coast Guard approval on Level 100 life jackets.  This policy builds upon previous efforts the Coast Guard in cooperation with Transport Canada (TC) and members of the Personal Floatation Device (PFD) community to harmonize North American PFD standards.

America’s Boating Channel™is supporting Operation Dry Water’s (ODW) boating under the influence (BUI) national heightened awareness and enforcement three-day weekend taking place July 2-4, 2021.

The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report Wednesday, revealing that there were 767 boating fatalities nationwide in 2020, a 25.1 percent increase from 2019.

Our understanding of the risks of the COVID-19 virus being transmitted from the surface of a life jacket continues to evolve. Always refer to the CDC website for up-to-date guidance.

Mustang Survival^®, the North American brand known for innovative solutions for the most demanding marine environments, is excited to announce the acquisition of the Ocean Rodeo Dry Wear business.  The innovative dry wear solutions for action watersports and commercial marine will be merged into the already impressive Mustang Survival Recreation and Professional dry wear assortment.

Raleigh, NC, 27 May 2021 – The fifth video in America’s Boating Channel’s™ Fourth Season of boating safety and boater education videos, “Introducing ATONS,” will premiere this Friday afternoon May 28 at 4 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the internet and through social media.

Sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), National Safe Boating Week is a global effort dedicated to promoting safe boating practices. In 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,168 boating accidents that resulted in 2,559 injuries, 613 fatalities and $55 million in property damage.

The US Sailing Reach Initiative has released its 2020 Impact Report. Launched in 2012, Reach is US Sailing’s STEM education initiative. Since its inception, Reach has had an immeasurable impact on youth across the country who are learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts using sailing as an educational platform.

Recreational boating experienced a boom in the mid-20th century as Americans turned to the water in droves in the postwar years. The number of US-registered boats skyrocketed from less than half a million to five and a half-million during the 1950s and ’60s. But this newfound popularity came at a price: More than 1,580 deaths a year resulted from boating accidents by 1971.

US Sailing today announced Alan Ostfield (Pittsburgh, Pa.), an accomplished sports and entertainment industry leader, as the Association’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ostfield will take the helm of US Sailing, the sport’s National Governing Body (NGB), following an extensive national executive search.

Raleigh, NC, 8 April 2021 – America’s Boating Channel™ is presenting a new series comprised of twelve videos focused on essential maneuvers for safely operating Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners.

Every Friday afternoon at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, a new “Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operations” title has debuted on America’s Boating Channel’s website homepage and YouTube channel.

As part of a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Outreach Grant, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) has just completed the first phase and launch of its new “National Boating Safety Media Center” which is designed to facilitate and support the work of journalists assigned to cover boating safety topics.

Rental Boat Safety, a campaign funded by the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, provides free boating safety training resources to increase safe boating practices on waterways nationwide. RentalBoatSafety.com currently impacts over 800,000 rental customers each year by offering our educational videos and safety training to more than 3,200 liveries and marinas around the nation.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, more Americans have turned to the outdoors, some for the first time and others for the first time in many years. These new outdoor participants represent an unprecedented opportunity to grow and diversify the outdoor community. But to capitalize on this opportunity, we need to better understand these participants.

In recreational boating, cellphones are just fine for routine communications. So why do you need a VHF radio – either a handheld or fixed mount – on your boat? Because in an emergency it’s the only thing that can directly connect you to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 system, giving you access to high-tech emergency response and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capabilities that can hasten your rescue.

Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.

We are excited to invite you to participate in our 2021 Life Jacket Video Contest! To participate, you or your team (up to 4 individuals) need to create an original 25-second and/or 55-second Video Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging adults to wear life jackets!

America’s Boating Channel™ is presenting a new series comprised of twelve videos focused on essential maneuvers for safely operating Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners.

Every Friday afternoon at 4:00 PM Eastern Time, a new “Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operations” title will debut on America’s Boating Channel’s website homepage and YouTube channel.

TowBoatUS Lake Allatoona, Georgia, owned by Capt. Chris Day, was awarded “Tower of the Year” at the annual gathering of the TowBoatUS fleet, which was held today virtually. The honor recognizes professionalism in providing recreational boaters with 24/7 on-water towing and assistance services. The award was bestowed on the company for its near-perfect 24-hour towing dispatch operation, high customer satisfaction and on-water towing case management.

If you’re a first responder, work or just spend time recreating on or near cold water, this workshop is for you. You will learn everything you need to know to survive an accidental cold water immersion and also how to help others who may have become hypothermic. It is hosted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), delivered over “Zoom”.

Two small boat teams from the USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) intercept a vessel on the Caribbean Sea that they suspect of engaging in illegal activity on Jan. 6, 2021. A Coast Guard boarding team found 27 bales of cocaine aboard, each weighing approximately 65 pounds.

The Coast Guard terminated an illegal charter of the 63-foot yacht, Hello0000 near Miami Beach Marina. A Coast Guard Station Miami Beach 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement team conducted a boarding of the vessel with 11 people aboard: nine were passengers for hire, including two children, and two crew members operating as an illegal passenger-for-hire vessel.

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received a report of eight people aboard a recreational vessel who were unconscious near Garrison Bight. It was reported an exhaust fan in the bilge compartment allowed potential carbon monoxide to accumulate to high enough levels to impair the occupants.

A Key West Fire Boat crew responded, safely transferred the eight people aboard their vessel and transported them back ashore to awaiting emergency medical services for further medical attention.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is excited to announce that effective Jan. 1, 2021, Alex Otte was promoted to the National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). As President, Otte will serve as national spokesperson and chief advocate for MADD, whose mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.

Karen Angela Dunne-Maxim, 80, a former long-time resident of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, passed away on Wednesday December 30, 2020 in Arlington, VA.

America’s Boating Channel™ is presenting a new mini-series comprised of four videos answering the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Navigation Rules. Watch boating safety videos at https://www.youtube.com/c/AmericasBoatingChannel.

The United States Coast Guard recently released the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS), offering valuable insight into the makeup of America’s boaters. Data includes information on boat ownership, frequency of boating, boating safety, at-risk populations, and the types of vessels most frequently used and registered.

The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary rescued two men from the water Saturday after their 24-foot boat sank 40 miles west of Bradenton. Rescued were Larry Mccain, 52, from Parrish, and Dennis Amo, 64, from Sarasota.

Capt. Matthew Thompson, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commander said, “They had all their safety equipment, put on their life jackets and activated their personal locator beacon at the first sign of an emergency.”

America’s Boating Channel™ newest video series, “Knots-to-Know,” teaches boaters essential knots. Watch boating safety videos at https://www.youtube.com/c/AmericasBoatingChannel.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has announced that the 2021 International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) will be an all-virtual format. Celebrating its 24th year, IBWSS will explore “Partnerships for Progress” – a close look at how recreational boating and water safety communities collaborate to save lives around the world.

Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. Over the course of the three-day weekend, July 3 – 5, 2020, 620 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies participated in the Operation Dry Water campaign. From these agencies, 7,612 law enforcement officers conducted patrols resulting in a total of 625 boating under the influence arrests.

Transport Canada (TC) Office of Boating Safety (OBS) wants to hear from stakeholders, especially those with a particular interest in pleasure craft, on the changes under consideration to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Program and the Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Program. TC is inviting members of the boating community to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Pleasure Craft Licensing and the Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Programs on the Let’s Talk Transportation consultation webpage. The forum will remain open until January 15, 2021.

Over the past 21 years the Boat For Hope event has taken thousands of special needs kids, and their support systems, out on the waters of Vancouver for a day of pirate activities, returning to the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club for a land portion called “Treasure Island”. A park area offers food, entertainment, music, engagement with the kids and a host of other activities. The event has raised close to $2.5 million to help Variety – the Children’s Charity support the kids beyond this one day event.

For years, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) has been developing boating safety content in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard in order to touch on key safety issues and work to change boaters’ behavior on the water. This content is available for all to share. Educating partners leads to a safer boating experience for all enjoying the water.

The Rental Boat Safety Team has released their 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. Keep the boater in your life safe with these go-to gifts:

https://www.rentalboatsafety.com/blog/2020-holiday-gift-guide.

The new and improved Rental Boat Safety Mobile App is here, making our resources more accessible than ever! Our mobile app allows you to download our safety checklists specific to your boating activity, watch training videos, and complete quizzes in preparation for a fun day on the water. Simply create your account and begin exploring!

Any organization, company, or family that is interested in receiving life jackets or adding a Life Jacket Loaner Station to their area, can fill out the application on the Sea Tow Foundation’s website: www.BoatingSafety.com/LifeJacketGrant. Applications will be accepted until February 1, 2021.

America’s Boating Channel™ is continuing to release boating safety and boater education videos for the Fall 2020 boating season.

In partnership with the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), TowBoatUS Lake Allatoona, a 24-hour on water towing and assistance service based in Cartersville, recently hosted a three-day “Essentials of Close Quarters and Open Water Boat Control” on-water instructor certification course for local first responders. The course was one of many offered across the country each year by local partners and NSBC, a national public private coalition that provides safe boating educational resources, outreach programming, and training opportunities.

For several years, Sea Tow operated an Automated Radio Check System, which was available on VHF Channels 24 to 28 for the benefit of mariners in over 130 locations. However, on October 2nd, 2020 that service was discontinued. The Coast Guard Inspections and Compliance Directorate has issued MSIB 20-20 to inform mariners of the proper procedure for performing a VHF radio check.

Rental Boat Safety encourages paddlers to watch a new Canoe/Kayak training video series to prepared when paddling during cool weather.

Just three weeks ago, many boaters were caught unprepared when Hurricane Sally shifted eastward and came ashore near Gulf Shores, Alabama. Now with a fifth storm of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season again bearing down the Gulf Coast, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) can help boaters prepare for Hurricane Delta with no-cost tools, tips and downloadable information at BoatUS.com/Hurricane-Prep.

Fall is one of the best times to go boating. As families continue to social distance, many predict the increase in boaters on the water will continue through the fall. Here are some ways you can enjoy boating safely this fall.

Boaters in much of the U.S. and Canada acknowledge the need to winterize their boat’s engines each autumn. But what else can go wrong? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers boat owners a free online resource at BoatUS.com/Winterization. The website is chock full of winterizing checklists, tips, and a downloadable Boaters Guide to Winterizing to help all vessel owners ensure their boats are stored safely for the winter.

Details of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) 2020 Education Conference, being held virtually September 29 – October 2, 2020, are now available.

Have you ever wondered how old, discarded fishing line is recycled and reused? You may be surprised to learn that turning fishing line into new products is labor intensive, requiring a series of workers to comb through, sort, clean, remove hooks and weights, and separate out miles of encrusted debris in entangled fishing line. There also aren’t any recycling programs for fishing related materials like soft baits. There just has to be a better way.

With vacations, summer camps, and youth sports canceled by the pandemic, more people have bought boats for some summer fun that allows physical distancing from strangers while staying close to home. About a third of those buyers have never owned a boat, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Blackmore and team are based in Nelson, in the Selkirk Mountains. They call themselves the Kootenay Pedalwheelers, and were one of the 32 teams originally slated to compete in the 2020 Race to Alaska (R2AK); a 750-mile, non-motorized, self-supported race from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska.

“Six people get to go home to their families because a responsible boater had a personal locator beacon. These are the stories of responsible boating that we like to read. It is a tragedy that their boat capsized, but activating the beacon saved everyone. Boats can be replaced, family members can’t.” – Peg Phillips, NSBC Executive Director

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been off to a rapid pace with a record-setting nine named storms so far and has the potential to be one of the busiest on record. Historically, only two named storms form on average by early August, and the ninth named storm typically does not form until October 4. An average season produces 12 named storms, including six hurricanes of which three become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5).

With the move to phase 2 of the Rhode Island Fiberglass Vessel Recycling (RIFVR) Pilot Program to address the disposal issue of recreational boats, project managers have released “Facing the Legacy: Lifecycle Solutions for Fiberglass Boats.” The short video shares the compelling story of how those efforts have evolved into a first-in-the-nation boat recycling project.

Did you know there is a new life jacket label? The label is being phased in and you may see it printed on the inside of a new life jacket. The new label DOES NOT make obsolete life jackets with the old label. Always look for a life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

The Sea Tow Foundation – a national nonprofit dedicated to the education and awareness of safe boating practices – announced today that it is collecting data from individuals and organizations around the country that operate life jacket loaner stations in an effort to create a national database of their locations.

Two brands with rich histories, evolving in an ever-changing landscape, building solutions engineered to encourage you to live beyond land. In a year that has presented many changes in how we experience life from accessing our groceries to connecting with friends and experiencing the outdoors, Mustang Survival & MTI Adventurewear are teaming up to change the way we deliver the gear that gets you out on the water.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2020 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

NMMA played a critical role in shaping the bill—which includes key provisions that would improve the safety of the millions of Americans who take to the water each year.

Every year the Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free vessel safety checks for all boaters. The checks provide important safety information to ensure each boater is prepared for any and all emergency situations that may arise. Once a vessel passes the safety check, the Coast Guard Auxiliary will dispense a vessel safety check sticker. This will show the Coast Guard that this vessel has all of the safety requirements for safe boating.

Drinking impairs both physical and mental abilities, and it also decreases inhibitions. Reduced inhibitions from drinking may affect a person’s ability to take the precautions needed to reduce their risk of contracting the coronavirus or spreading it to others, such as maintaining appropriate physical distance and wearing a mask.

US Powerboat Market includes all recreational powerboats (including PWCs) registered in the US as of year-end 2019. Not included are sailboats and self-propelled craft such as canoes and kayaks.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) by a bipartisan vote of 73-25. ORR members were at the forefront of this landmark legislation, leading the effort to include maintenance backlog funding for the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; bringing together more than 100 outdoor recreation businesses in support of GAOA; garnering Senate support and much more.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that more than 30 people lost their lives to drowning in June at lake and river projects the agency manages. The June statistics represent a 47 percent increase in drownings over the same time period last year. USACE also reported that nearly all the drowning victims were adult males between the ages of 18 and 85 and were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the drowning.

Boating under the influence, or BUI, is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Yvonne Pentz, communications director, National Safe Boating Council, explains the importance of not boating under the influence.

In 2018, 22.9 million Americans, or 7.6 percent of the U.S. population, took to rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans to participate in at least one paddling activity.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2019 Recreational Boating Statistics are available now. Quick takeaways: compared to 2018, the number of accidents increased 0.6%; alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, and the top five primary contributing factors in accidents ranked are operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol.

The arrival of summer is extremely welcome, and we are all looking forward to spending more time outside and on the water. West Marine is in the final stages of reopening all our retail stores, distribution centers and corporate headquarters.

Operation Dry Water and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) are Operation Dry Water – National Safe Boating Weekreminding boaters during National Safe Boating Week, May 16 – 22, 2020, to boat sober this summer. National Safe Boating Week brings attention to important lifesaving tips for recreational boaters and takes place just prior to Memorial Day weekend, the kick-off of the boating season for many. Millions of boaters will head to the water, taking advantage of the warmer weather while honoring, celebrating and remembering all those who lost their lives while serving our country. Unfortunately, alcohol use by both operators and passengers often becomes part of these activities, causing an increase in the number of injuries, incidents and fatalities on the water.

For the annual celebration of National Safe Boating Week, held May 16-22, 2020, the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Weather Service encourage boaters to follow health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and your local officials while boating responsibly.

Recreational boating and water activities are enjoyed by millions of Americans each year. To encourage growth in recreational boating and water activities, the National Safe Boating Council’s Safe Boating Campaign recommends these boating and water safety media best practices to support a culture of safety and encourage those enjoying the water to have the right safety gear.

To encourage growth in recreational boating and water activities, the Safe Boating Campaign recommends these boating and water safety media best practices to support a culture of safety and encourage those enjoying the water to have the right safety gear.

In this episode of Bob’s No Wake Zone Boating Radio Show, Peg Phillips discusses the NSBC Wear It Out campaign, Boat on Course, and Skipper Club.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) announced the International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) Communication Award recipients, an annual celebration of the creative ways boating and water safety advocates are communicating with the public about safety on and in the water.

Get the latest fishing and boating updates from your state on COVID-19 using this tool from our friends at Take Me Fishing™. Click on a state to find out everything you need to know about the latest updates, changes, closures, and more for fishing and boating related activities.

We have been closely monitoring the calls and emails from our members and recreational boaters as we navigate uncharted waters during this public health crisis. Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our team, members, partners, and the recreational boaters who depend on us for guidance and resources.

COVID-19 is forcing everyone to navigate uncharted waters, including boaters. Many people are wondering if they can go boating, who they can boat with, and where they can go once they leave the dock. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer as many states have issued Stay-at-Home orders, with some prohibiting outdoor recreation and recreational boating, and permitted in others.

Our friends at National Marine Manufacturers Association are keeping track of the latest access and executive orders impacting boating. Read this helpful update, and be sure to check with your state and local community for the latest information.

CLEANING AND STORING YOUR PFD: To clean your inflatable PFD, hand wash or sponge down in warm, soapy water, taking care not to submerge the inflator. Rinse your PFD with clean water and hang to dry on a plastic coat hanger. Do not dry-clean, use chlorine bleach, or apply direct heat. Always store your fully dried PFD in a warm, dry, well ventilated place out of direct sunlight.

The NSBC will offer a limited series of high-quality, high-value, interactive virtual experiences with content from our members, partners, retailers, manufacturers, and other thought leaders.

With the ongoing coverage surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, our top priority is to keep our attendees safe and informed. Due to the March 15 recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control that organizers cancel in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S., and Arizona Governor Ducey’s call for the cancellation of gatherings of over 50 people, the 2020 International Boating and Water Safety Summit is cancelled. In addition, overwhelming travel restrictions from states and organizations was also considered in this decision.

NASBLA_LogoOnly_color.jpgNew recommendations on improving recreational boat occupant injury surveillance were jointly released today by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the Safe States Alliance, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Corps of Engineers’ natural resource management mission is to manage and conserve natural resources, consistent with ecosystem management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations.

Today the NSBC is honored to participate in #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. Please support the NSBC in our efforts to reach youth with important life-saving boating safety education and training. Donate to the NSBC on #GivingTuesday.

Looking for ideas on what to get for the boater in your life for the holidays? We gotcha covered. For more ideas, check out these gift guides from Overton’s, Orvis, REI, and West Marine.

For years, online boat safety course content has been limited to video, illustrations and text material. However, boaters looking to complete their online boating education have a new alternative, as Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC recently released ilearntoboat.com, a fully interactive boat safety course. This groundbreaking course is the first boater safety course of its kind to be approved by NASBLA and state agencies.

The National Safe Boating Council, a national catalyst for recreational boating safety, is pleased to announce the board of directors for 2019-2020. The NSBC membership voted to elect the following officers at the General Membership Meeting, in Anchorage, Alaska in conjunction with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrator’s Annual Conference.

The U.S. Coast Guard (CG-BSX) has entered into a copyright permission agreement with Underwriters Laboratory Inc. (UL) to provide a publicly available source of the graphics required for labels and Point of Sale materials on USCG Approved PFDs complying with UL standards. These graphics are to be used for educational and training purposes. The USCG intends to reproduce, publish, and otherwise use the works for Federal Purposes, and authorize others to do so.

The latest from the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division in the Fall 2019 Boating Safety Circular.

The National Safe Boating Council’s new social change marketing initiative focuses on making wearing a life jacket a routine behavior for boaters and others who spend time on the water. “Wear It Out” is part of the Safe Boating Campaign, an annual worldwide effort focused on responsible boating.

Operation Dry Water (ODW) is a year-round boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. The mission of ODW is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water. During the 2019 Operation Dry Water weekend, July 5 – 7, more than 7,600 law enforcement officers were on patrol, identifying impaired boaters and removing them from the water.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has announced that registration is open for the fourth annual Marine Law Symposium, “Fire, Explosions and Other Thermal Events,” Jan. 7, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The National Safe Boating Council has identified states with the highest number of accidents and fatalities in 2018, based on the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics released this week. There were 633 deaths, 2,511 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2018 Recreational Boating Statistics are now. Quick takeaways: Compared to 2017, the number of accidents decreased 3.4%; Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; Top five primary contributing factors in accidents ranked are operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, machinery failure, and excessive speed.

This blog post is part of a series celebrating the great work of our Safe Boating Campaign partners. Watch the latest video PSA from Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries and Virginia Conservation Police. As K9 Officer Bailey says, “Wear it!”

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.5685/A.4853.A) – or Brianna’s Law – to phase in requirements that all operators of motorized watercraft must complete a state-approved boating safety course. Brianna’s Law is named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old Long Island girl who was killed in a 2005 boating accident. The Governor also directed State Parks to launch a boating safety promotional campaign to remind boaters of the new requirement to take a safety course.

Call for speakers is open for the 24th annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit to be held April 5-8, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. Do you have an innovative product, outreach program, or panel discussion idea? Consider applying to be an #IBWSS20 speaker.

Dockmate® U.S., which offers advanced handheld wireless remote controls for boats, announced today it has joined the National Safe Boating Council’s (NSBC) Admiral Club. The highest tier of membership in the NSBC, the Admiral Club is an exclusive group of supporters focused on helping the organization succeed in increasing safe boating practices.

This blog post is part of a series celebrating the great work of our Safe Boating Campaign partners around the world! We interviewed Tsubasa Shimamoto with the Maris Marine Sports Foundation to learn about their boating and life jacket safety efforts in Japan. Thank you to Maris Marine Sports Foundation for all that you do!

“Drowning happens very quickly. It doesn’t play out as people expect,” with drama and calling for help, Dr. Hoffman said. “Kids just go down, it happens unbelievably quickly and silently.”

Starting Aug. 1, Everglades National Park will require all marine boaters to have completed the park’s Boater Education Program. Over 4,000 boaters have already completed the free online course, which became available in late 2018. The purpose of the program is to educate boaters to the unique features and challenges of the park’s marine waters in order to promote boater safety, protect park resources and enhance visitor enjoyment.

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today released an analysis of state and national trends in fishing license sales confirming the effectiveness of R3 efforts on growth. The research, done in partnership with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and carried out by Southwick Associates, looks at license data and participation rates over a 25-year period.

This blog post is part of a series celebrating the great work of our Safe Boating Campaign partners. We interviewed Julie Brown from Maryland Natural Resources Police to learn about their boating and life jacket safety efforts. Thank you to Maryland Natural Resources Police for all that you do!

Last week, the Oregon Senate and House passed SB47 – legislation that would require operators of nonmotorized boats to purchase a waterway access permit – sending the measure to Governor Kate Brown who is expected to sign it into law.

It’s important to be a responsible boater and take necessary precautions this Fourth of July, the highest-boating traffic time of the summer. The Safe Boating Campaign, a program of the National Safe Boating Council, reminds boaters of three key tips to prevent a boating accident – always wear a life jacket, never boat under the influence, and use an engine cut-off device.

It’s important to be a responsible boater and take necessary precautions this Fourth of July holiday, the highest-boating traffic time of the summer. The Safe Boating Campaign, a program of the National Safe Boating Council, reminds boaters of three key tips to prevent a boating accident – always wear a life jacket, never boat under the influence, and use an engine cut-off device.

The NSBC General Membership Meeting will be in Anchorage, Alaska in conjunction with the NASBLA Annual Conference on September 29, 2019. It will be from 3:00 – 4:00 pm at the Hotel Captain Cook.

The law requires boaters to use their emergency cut-off switch.

The Coast Guard has encouraged the public to be safe on the water this Memorial Day weekend. Cold water awareness: Although the air temperature is warm, New England waters are still cold. Ensure you are dressing for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

The National Safe Boating Council and its partners are kicking off the annual Safe Boating Campaign the weekend before Memorial Day with National Safe Boating Week held May 18-24, with important safety reminders for boaters as the busy boating season gears up.

Wear your life jacket, snap a picture while at work and share on social media with the hashtags #lifejacket2work and #safeboating.

This blog post is the first in a series celebrating the great work of our Safe Boating Campaign partners.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Weather Service are working together this National Safe Boating Week, May 18-24, 2019, to encourage boating safety. The goal of National Safe Boating Week is to encourage a boating lifestyle that is fun, safe, and enjoyable.

When constituents talk, Congress listens. Join other leading organizations in recreational boating and fishing to ensure your voice is heard. Make a diffference for your business, members and stakeholders by having a seat at the table and demonstrating your support as we address our industry’s most pressing issues.

You don’t want to miss this opportunity for resources to support your boating and water safety efforts! From box sets to downloadable resources, the Safe Boating Campaign has you covered for all your outreach needs.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), a national catalyst for recreational boating safety, has partnered with West Marine to raise awareness of the importance of responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week held May 18-24.

Ready, Set, Wear It Life Jacket Events teach boaters about the importance of always wearing a life jacket – with a bit of fun along the way!

The Coast Guard and National Safe Boating Council are reminding recreational boaters of the importance of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons in conjunction with 406Mhz Beacon Awareness Day.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), National Water Safety Congress (NWSC) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) announced the International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) Communication Award winners during the IBWSS Awards Luncheon on March 27, 2019.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), a national catalyst for recreational boating safety, inducted Thom Dammrich into the NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame at the 2019 International Boating and Water Safety Summit.

The United States Power Squadrons® (USPS) continues the debut of its third season of safe-boating videos on America’s Boating Channel™ with “SAFETY TIPS FOR PADDLE SPORTS.”

Join the National Safe Boating Council at our Winter General Membership Meeting on Sunday, March 24, 2019 in conjunction with the International Boating and Water Safety Summit. We look forward to this opportunity to celebrate our shared mission to advance recreational boating safety.

Wyoming lawmakers debate legal limit for boating under influence of alcohol.

The NASBLA Annual Conference is a combination learning conference, annual business meeting, committee meeting, workshop, learning lab and colleague roundtable event for state recreational boating safety professionals and others in the RBS community. Every year, the annual conference provides focused learning sessions, thought-provoking speakers, an expansive expo hall and plenty of networking opportunities.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s recently published annual summary of boating accidents in Arkansas, people who spent time on the water last year saw a 9 percent decrease in boating accidents and a 36 percent decrease in the number of boaters who died from boating accidents.

The Safe Boating Campaign is a worldwide effort focused on responsible boating, encouraging boaters to always wear a life jacket while on the water.

It may not feel like boating season yet for many of us, so keep your edge and take a safe boating course. Many education providers and partners offer discounts or other incentives for students who enroll in or complete a boating safety course during the week of March 17-23, 2019. Learn more from our friends with Spring Aboard.

FLIR Systems, Inc. announced the Raymarine DockSense assisted docking system, an intelligent object recognition and motion sensing assisted docking solution for recreational boating.

Boats under 26 feet will have to include engine cutoff switches, thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Authorization just passed by Congress.

NMMA announced today the launch of a new Boating Safety Awareness Series—boating safety brochures to help educate consumers on important boating safety guidelines.

The IBWSS Media Campaign Contest showcases the outreach efforts of organizations, agencies, and groups who advocate for boating and water safety. Accepting entries through March 1, 2019.

New research from North Carolina State University demonstrates that consumer-grade drones are effective tools for monitoring marine species across multiple sites in the wild.

Boating Safety Dashboards are for use by recreational boating safety (RBS) program managers and other stakeholders to make better informed policy and program decisions by providing ready access to U.S. Coast Guard and state-level RBS data.

Registration is open for #IBWSS19! The International Boating and Water Safety Summit is the premier professional development and networking event for boating and water safety professionals.

The 2018 Operation Dry Water annual report summarized this year’s enforcement, outreach and awareness activity.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is the first organization to receive voluntary third-party verification for an on-water powerboating course based on the American National Standard for recreational boating skills.

As part of a U.S. Coast Guard funded grant program, the American Canoe Association created a series of paddling safety infographics.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is pleased to announce the regional winners of the Boating Educator of the Year Award.

The 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics, released May 29, 2018, contain statistics on recreational boating accidents and state vessel registration.

Join the Safe Boating Campaign in promoting boating and life jacket safety to boaters around the world. Resources for these events and more available at www.safeboatingcampaign.com/resources.

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), National Water Safety Congress (NWSC) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) recently announced the International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) Media Campaign Contest winners.

Mercury Marine announces an exciting new partnership with FELL Marine, a leader in marine wireless technology, to co-develop Mercury-exclusive wireless and IOT connected products that will seamlessly integrate with Mercury’s SmartCraft suite of digital technology (gauges, sensors, monitors, and vessel systems) to make boating easier, safer, and more enjoyable than ever before.

The new “Life Jacket Flotation” video explains buoyancy – the tendency of a body to float or sink in water.

Spring Aboard – Take A Boating Education Course campaign encourages boaters to get educated prior to the kick-off of the boating season. Many education providers offer discounts or other incentives for students during the week of March 18-24, 2018 to enroll in a boating education course.

As part of the ongoing Hazard Simplification Project, the National Weather Service (NWS) is proposing to consolidate Marine hazard messages. In support of this project, NWS is asking for public comment.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association and several of its Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundable partners met with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials to highlight the importance of forests to recreations that include boating, fishing and skiing. (SOURCE: Soundings Trade Only Today)

Pennsylvania is changing its rules around wakesurfing and tow boats to allow for innovations such as Volvo Penta’s forward-facing drive. (SOURCE: Soundings Trade Only Today)

There were 518 boating under the influence arrests nationwide during 2017 Operation Dry Water.

More than 40 million Kidde fire extinguishers have been recalled.

New accident response case studies offer general boating best practices for the media to enhance their reporting so that the recreational boating public can learn safer boating practices. Boatbeat also now offers in-depth boating best practices for 20 different recreational boating topics.

Websites lure boaters with the appearance and convenience of an official government website.

Get Connected, the latest initiative from the National Safe Boating Council, encourages boaters to use their engine cut-off device every time they go boating.

Carbon monoxide poses risks for boaters. ABYC President John Adey was interviewed by GMA correspondent Gio Benitez to educate the boating public about the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) and being safe on the water.

United States Power Squadrons® (USPS) anuncia el estreno de la transmisión de su video sobre Revisiones de Seguridad para la Embarcación en la Biblioteca de Recursos Digitales (BRD). (English Translation Available)

Boaters nationwide will be encouraged to “Get Connected” and use their engine cut-off device, more commonly referred to as a “kill switch,” every time they go boating through a series of branded messages and resources as part of the NSBC’s new campaign.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Florida man’s latest appeal in a landmark case involving the seizure and destruction of his floating home.

Register now for the three-day heightened enforcement weekend taking place nationwide June 30 – July 2, 2017.

With possession of small amounts of marijuana now legal in eight states, boaters are asking whether the U.S. Coast Guard, a federal agency, will abide by those state laws. Read more from Boating Magazine.

The annual campaign kicks off the weekend before Memorial Day with National Safe Boating Week and continues throughout the year with family-friendly boating safety events.

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Consumer Protection Department is advising boaters with vessels having a US Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation to be wary of any letter arriving by US mail offering renewal.

IBWSS is the premier event for professional development with increased focus on training, education, meeting, and networking for professionals, volunteers, and anyone involved in boating and water safety.

A new online hub for the media, boating educators, boating accident reporters, public information officers, law enforcement officials, and the general public promises to make the waters safer.

Quite simply, reporters have a huge impact on the promotion of safe boating behaviors.

The U.S. Coast Guard recently launched its new online newsroom, U.S. Coast Guard News, available at http://www.news.uscg.mil.

Do not let the temperature outside fool you. Cold water immersion and hypothermia can occur in water as cool as 70 degrees at any time of the year.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety has released the Strategic Plan of the National Recreational Boating Safety Program 2017-2021.

The RBS In-Network connects instructors to course providers and credentialing opportunities in recreational boating safety professional programs.

This safety alert reminds all vessel operators to routinely inspect their life jackets to ensure they are suitable for service.

The National Safe Boating Council is embarking on a new initiative to be a resource for survivors of recreational boating accidents.

NOAA’s fleet of weather satellites helped save 240 people last year from potentially life-threatening situations throughout the United States and its surrounding waters.

NASBLA hosted two webinars to assist states in setting up a HIN Validation System.

ISO based standards for Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) published on December 31, 2015