9 Things to Do During National Safe Boating Week (and Beyond)

No matter how and where you like to boat, it's important to do it safely. That includes reducing accidents, ensuring you have the proper safety equipment, and operating your boat responsibly. 

Participating in National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23, 2025) is one way to help spread the word about boating safely and reducing accidents. By doing that, you help emphasize the role of education and how important it is to prevent boating mishaps. You can participate in "official" activities during the week or just do your own thing to stay safe and help others do the same. 

Here are nine things you can do to increase your safety on the water during Safety Week — and any time you boat. 

1. Get Involved in National Safe Boating Week Events

During this annual week dedicated to boating safety, there are seminars, workshops, and demonstrations. When you attend these, you show your support for safe boating and learn more about how to protect yourself and others.

Additionally, participating in boating safety drills can sharpen your skills and community cleanup events to improve the quality of shores and waterways for everyone.

2. Take a Boater Safety Course

Taking a boater safety course is another excellent way to acknowledge National Boating Safety Week. There are both in-person and online courses — including the courses we offer here through ilearntoboat — for your convenience.

You will learn a lot about more ways to boat and enjoy the water safely, and you may be entitled to insurance discounts when you complete a certificated safety training course. Plus, completing a course meets the requirements for boater education in your state.

3. Conduct a Vessel Safety Check

Inspecting your vessel and safety gear is another way to get involved in boating safety. Use a boating safety checklist for inspecting safety gear, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares, when preparing your boat. 

Organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary also offer free safety checks for your vessel so you can feel confident that your boat is safe before hitting the water for the season.

4. Focus on Life Jacket Awareness

Properly fitted life jackets are essential for boating safety.

You should have one for every person on your boat, including infants and children. When selecting a life jacket, make sure it's U.S. Coast Guard-approved and fits the person who will wear it. Small children, for example, need different life jackets than adults. 

5. Review Your Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures should be practiced when there's no emergency so that you know what to do if something goes wrong. Working through fire response plans and "man overboard" drills can help you be ready in the event of an actual emergency.

Additionally, make sure you know how to prepare a float plan and who to share it with. Getting in the habit of doing that every time you set out on the water will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

6. Update Boating Documents and Licenses

Make sure your boat registration, permits, and licenses are current. You don't want to get a hefty fine or other penalties to start your boating season for something simple to take care of.

Renewing your registration and taking care of any licensing or permitting needs are things you do every year during boating season. 

Once you have your documentation, keep it onboard, organized, and accessible. You'll need to produce it quickly if the Coast Guard or another law enforcement agency requests it. 

7. Learn Navigation and Weather Basics

If your navigation skills are rusty or you frequently forget to check weather conditions, National Safe Boating Week is a great time to make adjustments. For example, you can learn to read navigation charts and recognize common boating markers, reducing your risk of straying off course or accidentally getting into another vessel's path.

Also, make a note or set a reminder to check the weather conditions before heading out. After a while, looking at the weather and seeing how it might affect your journey before taking your boat to the launch will become second nature.

Being aware of marine warnings so unexpected weather events don't catch you off guard.

8. Advocate for Sobriety While Boating

Boating under the influence (BUI) is extremely dangerous. It's also illegal and can get you into significant trouble.

If you want to drink while boating, make sure you designate a sober captain and that you understand when and where it's legal to consume alcohol on a boat.

9. Teach Kids About Boating Safety

Teaching kids about boating safety can help protect them and show them the value of safe boating when they become adults.

There are plenty of fun and interactive ways to engage children in learning boating safety rules, including games, songs, and drills with prizes or other rewards. Check locally for youth programs or camps focusing on boating safety. If there's one in your area, consider sending your children to it so they can learn more about how to stay safe while enjoying boating.

Put Safety First During National Boating Safety Week (and Beyond)

Prioritizing these things during National Boating Safety Week helps you build good habits to practice every time you head out on your boat!

Every week is a good week to be a safe, responsible boater. Get ready for safe boating adventures by taking an ilearntoboat boater education course online! You'll learn safety essentials, like how to choose a life jacket, how to navigate waterways, what to do if something goes wrong, and more. And, you'll meet your state's requirements for boater education.

Take the ilearntoboat course for your state today and be ready for many safe boating adventures this season.