Happy National Safe Boating Week: Do Your Part to Prevent Boating Accidents

May 17–23 marks National Safe Boating Week 2025, a nationwide campaign led by the National Safe Boating Council and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of the boating season, this week serves as an important reminder for boaters across the country to prioritize safety before hitting the water.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating boating accidents can be. From serious injuries to wrongful death claims, what starts as a fun day on the lake, river, or ocean can turn tragic due to poor planning, reckless behavior, or faulty equipment. 

That’s why we’re using this week to spread awareness and share practical steps you can take to prevent accidents and protect everyone onboard.

Why National Safe Boating Week Matters

In 2022 alone, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,040 recreational boating accidents, including 2,222 injuries, 564 deaths, and over $63 million in property damage.

To add insult to injury, most of these incidents were preventable and likely due to someone else’s negligence.

The leading causes included:

• Operator inattention
• Improper lookout
• Operator inexperience
• Excessive speed
• Alcohol use

During National Safe Boating Week, the goal is simple: educate, prepare, and encourage every boater to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others.

The Human Cost of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents often involve capsizing, falls overboard, and collisions with other boats or fixed objects. Flooding or swamping and even fires or explosions are less common but still serious risks on the water.

But behind the statistics are real people—families who lost loved ones, children who suffered lifelong injuries, and vacationers who never expected their trip to end in the emergency room.

Even experienced boaters can be caught off guard by sudden weather changes, mechanical failures, or inattentive operators.

As personal injury attorneys, we see how a few seconds of negligence can cause catastrophic harm. But we also know that with the right precautions, many of these tragedies can be avoided.

10 Tips to Reduce Boating Accidents

Make boating safety a habit, not just a hashtag. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time renter, here’s how you can do your part this season.

1. Always Wear a Life Jacket

About 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned, and 86% were not wearing a life jacket.

Modern life jackets are lighter, more comfortable, and come in styles for every activity. Make it a rule that everyone wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times on the water.

Check that each life jacket fits properly. A loose jacket won’t provide the flotation you need in an emergency.

2. Take a Boater Safety Course

Operator inexperience is a leading cause of accidents. Many states require safety certification, especially for younger boaters, but even seasoned captains can benefit from a refresher.

The U.S. Coast Guard and organizations like BoatUS offer online and in-person safety courses that teach navigation rules, emergency procedures, and safe operation techniques.

3. Don’t Boat Under the Influence

Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal in all 50 states. Alcohol slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of falling overboard.

In 2023, alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Remember: The sun, wind, and water can amplify the effects of alcohol. Save the drinks for dry land.

4. Perform a Pre-Departure Safety Check

Before you launch, run through a safety checklist:

• Life jackets for every passenger
• Working navigation lights
• Fully charged fire extinguishers
• Emergency flares or sound-producing devices
• First aid kit
• Anchors and lines
• Fuel levels and battery charge
• Communication devices (VHF radio or cell phone)

Tip: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks. Schedule one before your first outing.

5. Check the Weather—Then Check It Again

Weather on the water can change quickly. Check the marine forecast before departure and continue monitoring it during your trip. Download a reliable boating weather app or carry a marine radio to stay informed.

If you see lightning, dark clouds, or sudden wind shifts, head back to shore immediately.

6. Keep a Proper Lookout

Designate someone to help you watch for other vessels, swimmers, debris, or sudden obstacles. Don’t rely solely on your peripheral vision or assumptions about what others are doing.

If you wouldn’t text and drive a car, don’t do it on the water either.

7. Know the Rules of Navigation

Boating has its own version of “rules of the road.” These include:

• Who has the right of way (called “stand-on” and “give-way” vessels)
• Appropriate speeds in wake zones
• How to handle crossing, overtaking, or meeting situations

Breaking these rules can result in accidents and liability. Study the Navigational Rules (COLREGS) or your state’s boating handbook before hitting the water.

8. Mind Your Speed

Excessive speed is not just dangerous; it’s also illegal in many areas, especially near marinas, docks, or no-wake zones.

Slow down when visibility is limited, when passing other boats, or in crowded areas.

9. Plan Ahead and Share Your Float Plan

Always let someone know your trip details:

• Where you’re going
• When you plan to return
• Who is on board
• What vessel you’re using

In the event something goes wrong, this “float plan” can help rescuers find you faster.

10. Educate Your Passengers

It’s not just the captain’s responsibility. Passengers should know:

• Where life jackets and emergency equipment are stored
• How to use a radio or phone in an emergency
• What to do if someone falls overboard

Brief everyone on safety procedures before you leave the dock.

Boating With Kids or Pets? Use Extra Caution

Children under 13 are typically required by law to wear a life jacket while underway. Make sure it's properly sized and fastened.

For pets, use a flotation device made for animals (you’ll be glad you did with the adorable pictures) and bring fresh water and shade. Never let pets swim near a running motor or jump off in open water.

 

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Boating Accident

If you’re involved in a boating accident, your first priority is safety and rescue:

• Check for injuries. Call for help using a VHF radio or phone.
• Render aid. Help anyone overboard or injured.
• Prevent further damage. Stop the boat, anchor if necessary, and make the area safe.
• Exchange information. Get names, contact info, vessel numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved.
• Document the scene. Take photos of damage, injuries, and conditions.
• Report the accident. Federal law requires you to file a report if:
  • There’s a death or missing person
  • Medical treatment beyond first aid is needed
  • Damage exceeds $2,000
  • A boat is destroyed
     

In many cases, you’ll also need to file a state-specific report.

Injured in a Boating Accident? Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

If you or someone you love is injured in a boating accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Common legal claims include:

• Boating under the influence (BUI)
• Reckless operation
• Failure to provide safety equipment
• Defective watercraft or equipment

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve helped thousands of people recover compensation after serious injuries, and we never settle for less than you deserve. With over 1,000 attorneys and offices nationwide, we’re always ready to fight For the People.

Don’t wait. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, get the legal help you deserve. Morgan & Morgan is the largest injury law firm in America, with a proven track record of standing up to insurance companies and big corporations.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.