Boating Safety Checklist For Memorial Day Weekend: 13 Essential Tips

ACROSS AMERICA — This Memorial Day Weekend, many Americans will be launching their boats for the first time this year. Some are veterans on the water, others may be new mariners after a pandemic increase in the number of first-time boat owners.

Novices can make for troubled waters.

In 2020, the fatality rate increased about 25 percent from the year prior, to was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which attributed the increase to a flotilla of new boaters. Boating fatalities were down 14 percent in 2021, to 5.5 per 100,000 registered boats, according to the Coast Guard report, which showed alcohol and operator inexperience were the leading causes of fatalities in boating accidents.

Before you head out on the boat this Memorial Day weekend, here are some sound safety tips from the National Safe Boating Coalition and Water Sports Foundation to help keep you and your family safe on the water:

1. Take a boating safety education course.

Before launching your boat, be sure you are confident and comfortable at the helm. In 2021, 75 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no safety instruction, according to the Coast Guard.

There are many live, virtual and hybrid boating safety education classes available through the Coast Guard and a number of private boating education providers. For a list of educational resources, check out the National Boating Safety Media Resource Center.

2. Wear a life jacket.

Drowning was the cause of death in about 81 percent of boating accident fatalities in 2021. Of those who drowned, 83 percent were not wearing life jackets, according to the report.

Be sure you have life jackets for all passengers on board and that they are sized to fit.

3. Do not drink and drive.

This one should go without saying, but we will say it anyway. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to Coast Guard data. Skip the alcohol or, at the very least, designate a “sober skipper.”

4. Invest in an emergency engine cutoff switch.

As of April 1, 2021, a federal law was passed that requires the use of an engine cutoff switch, or ECOS, an onboard safety device that is connected to the boat’s captain. Should the driver fall out of the boat, the ECOS will immediately stop the boat’s engine. Learn more about the $20 device.

5. File a float plan.

Before you leave the dock, tell friends, family or staff at the marina the names of all aboard, including contact information cell phone numbers. Be sure to include a planned itinerary complete with your destination, stops along the route and your estimated return time.

6. Watch the weather.

Know the forecast before you head out. Be sure to download a weather app on your phone and keep tabs on it regularly. If the weather turns severe, do not stay on the water — find shelter as soon as possible.

7. Communicate with passengers.

Should everyone remain seated while the boat is moving? Tell your passengers this before you leave the dock. Should everyone be wearing a life jacket? Communicate this, too. Set expectations and make the rules clear before you start the boat’s motor.

8. Comply with capacity limits.

If your boat can only hold six passengers, do not invite a seventh. If it has a weight limit, be sure to take coolers, gear, water toys and other cargo into account. If you overload your boat, you increase the risk of it capsizing.

9. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Just like when you drive on the freeway, you should keep an eye on other boaters at all times.

10. Choose destinations wisely.

If you’re new to boating, you might want to avoid setting sail on one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. However, if you insist on spending Memorial Day weekend on the water, head for less-crowded areas and avoid popular beaches and congested venues.

11. Follow posted speed limits and no-wake zones.

These are implemented with safety in mind. Disregarding them is also a quick way to incur a fine.

12. Be especially careful when boating at night.

Boating at night can add additional danger to your holiday festivities. If you plan to be out on the water past sunset, make sure all your navigation and running lights are operational. Again, avoid drinking alcohol — it can further impair your senses and visibility.

13. Make sure you have a way to communicate with people on the land.

It’s tempting to leave the cellphone behind, but it, along with satellite phones, EPIRB (personal locator beacon) and VHF radios, can be essential equipment in an emergency.