You’ve heard that a bad day on a boat is better than a good day at work. While we can’t disagree, we’re advocates for good boating days only. 

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how to prepare for and respond to potentially dangerous circumstances on the water. Boat safety for beginners to seasoned experts is absolutely essential for all passengers, no matter their experience level. 

In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard reported nearly 4,000 recreational boating accidents which included 564 deaths. Stay safe on the water by being informed and prepared to handle any obstacles. 

Additionally, the Coast Guard reported that 75% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no boating safety instructions. Make all your boating days great boating days by taking the time to learn how to stay safe on the water. Here are a few of our best tips: 

Wear a Life Jacket

Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the most effective life-saving strategy for all boaters. 

You can’t overemphasize the importance of wearing a proper life jacket. The numbers alone speak for themselves: 

• 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning 

• 87% of drowning victims are NOT wearing a life jacket

• 66% of drowning victims are good swimmers

Official laws about life jacket use vary from state to state. However, the National Safe Boating Council recommends that all boaters wear a life jacket any time they are on a motorized or non-motorized boat. 

Get the right fit

Part of life jacket safety is ensuring that all boaters have a vest that fits properly according to U.S. Coast Guard standards. The Coast Guard’s Wear It program recommends these five ways to check if your life jacket fits properly: 

1. Check the vest’s label to ensure the life jacket is the proper fit for your size and weight. 

2. Make sure the jacked can fasten properly. 

3. Hold your arms straight above your head. 

4. Ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up. Make sure there is no excess room above the openings and that the jacket does not ride up over your chin or face. 

   
   

Take a boat safety for beginners course

If boat life has only recently chosen you and you’re still finding your sea legs, you may consider taking an approved boater safety course. 

Additionally, many states offer approved boat safety courses through the National Association of Boating Law Administrators. You can find one for New York here. 

Stay safe during water sports 

Skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing are a great way to spend your time on the water. These popular water sports are often performed at high speeds, so it’s critical to take precautions, stay safe, and minimize the risk of injury in these simple ways: 

• Wear a life jacket

• Learn how to get up out of the water 

• Learn how to use a tow rope properly

• Before starting any towing activity, ensure the towline is clear of the propeller as it can get wrapped around if not monitored

• Wait for the propeller to stop before climbing back into the boat

• Avoid these watersports after dark

• Always have a spotter in the boat to watch the person being towed 

  
  

Learn basic hand signals 

Both the spotter and the person being towed should know basic hand signals to communicate and stay safe during water sports. Here are some of the basics: 

Return to dock: Pat your head with your right hand

Rider OK: Hold your hands up together above your head

Rider down: Hold up your water ski or wakeboard

Speed up: Thumbs up

Stop: Hold up your hand, palm facing the spotter

Speed OK: Make the “OK” sign with your fingers and thumb

Slow down: Thumbs down

Be aware of Carbon Monoxide

One way to keep all boaters safe is to be mindful of carbon monoxide poisioning. Though rare, it can happen on a boat and can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas from combustion engines and onboard motor generators. 

Stay safe on the water by avoiding long periods of idling and traveling at slow speeds. This can cause carbon monoxide to build up to potentially dangerous levels. 

Be a good passenger

First time on a boat? No problem. 

No matter what vessel you’re enjoying for a day on the water, it’s important to know proper passenger etiquette so you can be a safe, informed passenger and enjoy your day. 

• Listen to the Captain: No recreating any scenes from Captain Phillips. You are NOT the captain now. Good passengers respect the role and responsibility a captain has regarding safety and navigation.

• Respect the boat: Treat the boat and the water with respect by not littering and keeping your belongings tidy inside the vessel. 

• Speak up about feeling sick: If you get seasick (it happens), let the captain and other passengers know you’re feeling queasy. Stay seated and on deck near fresh air if possible. Focus on the horizon and breathe. 

• Know where to sit: Responsible passengers understand that sitting in the right spot is important. Listen to the boat’s captain and follow all the rules.

• Play safe: Have fun! Boats are an excellent way to spend the day. But do stay safe. Don’t stand on boat seats, mess around with controls, or pretend to push a fellow passenger overboard. Use common sense and enjoy yourself responsibly. 

• Swim safe: Be alert and aware when swimming. NEVER jump from a moving boat. NEVER swim when the boat is in motion. NEVER swim in a marina. Rocking boats, propellers, and even carbon monoxide poisoning can be very dangerous while swimming near a running boat. 

  
  

Never Drink and Drive a Boat

While boating is all about having fun, it’s important to stay safe and responsible. Never drink and drive a boat. If you’re water activities include alcohol, be sure to select a designated skipper to make sure you and the rest of your crew make it back to shore safely. 

Know the Rules of the (Water) Road

Navigating the rules of the water are similar to learning the rules of the highway. Navigation Rules create a consistent way for all boaters to stay safe, avoid collision, and understand expectations in various situations such as boats crossing paths, boats on course to meet head-on, and more. 

The U.S. Coast Guard has developed a navigation system to assist all boaters. The U.S. Aids to Navigation System and U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Rules are available to review online before embarking on your first boating adventure. 

Develop a Float Plan

A good float plan is like a trail of breadcrumbs in case of an emergency, ensuring you and your boating crew can be easily located in case of a storm or other unforeseeable event. 

A good rule of thumb is to always tell a friend or family member (not on the boating trip) where you plan to go and when you plan to be back. You can also tell a staff member at your local marina. 

Be sure to include the following in your float plan: 

• Names and contact information of all passengers

• Boat type and registration information

• Trip itinerary

• Communication and signal equipment onboard your vessel, such as an Emergency Position

• Indicating Radio Beacon or Personal Locator Beacon

To learn more about Silly Lily Fishing Station and Lily’s Boat Club, contact us today.