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.

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