Services provided by the NWS for recreational boaters include forecasts for coastal and offshore waters, and the Great Lakes.

People may rent powerboats, sail boats, personal watercraft, canoes and kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards from rental boat liveries and marinas across the country.

At a minimum, a boater should make sure that safety and other related equipment are on their vessel and in good working condition before each outing

A boating emergency can happen anytime, anywhere — and does not only refer to a problem with the vessel, but also to any dangerous situation involving a passenger.

Marine debris is any manufactured item that ends up as trash in oceans, lakes, or inland waterways.

The life jacket loaner program provides the public with free use of life jackets on a first-come, first-served basis.

The VHF radio (very high frequency) is the most common emergency marine communications device, and with good reason.

It’s important that boaters use the correct channel when communicating on a VHF (very high frequency) marine band radio.

A boater should carry at least two communication devices that will work when wet.

With cooler temperatures, there is added responsibility for boaters to be prepared for unexpected hazards.

Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) come in a variety of shapes and sizes designed for a specific type of paddling.

Sun safety is an often overlooked aspect of boat safety. With fishing, cruising, tubing, anchoring, lounging, and entertaining, the time spent on a boat adds up quickly.

All recreational boats are required to have size-specific safety equipment on board.

The official definition of personal watercraft (PWC) varies from state to state, but they are generally recognized as a vessel which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive power.

Data suggest that boaters who have had boater education are better prepared for the risks they may face.

Both the National Distress and Response System (NDRS) and Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) provide coverage for boaters

These are many water sports that involve a boat. Water sports are action-packed, full of fun and thrills, and at other times they can be extreme and dangerous.

Sound judgment and preparation is the key to success when planning a bar crossing.

Boat operators are required to meet the boater education requirements of the state in which they are operating

There are three primary functions of nature that influence sea conditions on bars and inlets; coastal swell and sea state, long shore currents, bathometry and geography and tides and currents.

The requirement to have boating safety education varies by state.

The U.S. Coast Guard requires recreational boats to carry a certain number of fire extinguishers.

Sailboats are powered by sails using the force of the wind.

A powerboat, also referred to as a motorboat or speedboat, is a boat which is powered by an engine.

Canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards and rafts all belong to the category of manually propelled vessel commonly referred to as paddlecraft.

It’s important that boaters use the correct channel when communicating on a VHF (very high frequency) marine band radio.

Cold-water immersion is the cause of many boating-related fatalities.

Since collisions are the number one type of accident on the water, boaters should remember these basic navigation rules.

Boaters call navigation rules – the basic laws governing the steering or sailing of a boat – “The Rules of the Road.”

Boaters frequently ask these questions about how an emergency engine/propulsion cut-off switch works.

Runaway boats are a potential hazard that can be mitigated with a switch or other system.

An EPIRB and PLB send a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest Rescue Coordination Center.

Boaters and divers should exercise extra caution to ensure their safety on the water.

A boater should carry at least two communication devices that will work when wet.

Every Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is conducted 100% free of charge.

Overview of state life jacket requirements for PWCs, boats less than 16 feet, and boats more than 16 feet.

One strategy to ensure the public has a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating safety experience is support from law enforcement officers and public information officers in communicating boating safety messages.

Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) in large amounts or even small amounts for a long duration often results in death.

Tips for clean boating.

Life jackets save lives! If a boater is wearing one, their chances of survival from capsizing or a fall overboard will dramatically increase.

Life jacket is the preferred term used when talking to the public regarding wearable PFDs.

Newer style inflatable life jackets are powered by a CO₂ cartridge (replaceable once used), and are cool and comfortable to wear all day while boating.

Today’s life jackets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials. No matter which life jacket a boater chooses, it should be right for them, their planned activities and the water conditions they expect to encounter.

Imagine falling into 40-degree water. If not rescued, a person will die within 30 minutes.

Boating safety tips, such as: take a boating safety course, wear a life jacket, beware of carbon monoxide, never boat under the influence, and knowledge of propeller safety.

Boating can magnify the side effects of alcohol use. Effects include impaired judgment, reduced balance and poor coordination