National Safe Boating Week
May 17 – 22, 2026
Every year, as the boating season opens, America's Boating Club joins boaters nationwide in promoting safe, responsible time on the water.
About the Campaign
National Safe Boating Week is an annual awareness campaign coordinated by the National Safe Boating Council and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard. Its mission is simple: get boaters on the water safely by encouraging the use of life jackets and smart boating practices before the busy Memorial Day weekend.
Why It Matters
- 75% of boating-related fatalities involve drowning — and 87% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.
- Most accidents happen to experienced boaters who simply didn't expect something to go wrong.
- A life jacket you aren't wearing cannot save your life.
America's Boating Club – Golden Isles encourages every member, family, and friend on the water to wear your life jacket, file a float plan, and check the marine weather before every trip.
Key Safety Practices
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Wear your life jacket
Make sure it is USCG-approved, fits properly, and is appropriate for your activity.
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File a float plan
Leave details about your trip, your vessel, and who is onboard with a trusted person ashore.
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Check the marine forecast
Weather on the water can change quickly — always verify conditions before departure.
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Take a boating safety course
America's Boating Club offers courses year-round in the Golden Isles. Knowledge is your best safety equipment.
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Never boat under the influence
Alcohol is a leading factor in boating fatalities. BUI is illegal and dangerous.
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Beware of carbon monoxide
CO is odorless and invisible. Keep away from exhaust areas and never run engines in enclosed spaces.
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Get a free Vessel Safety Check
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and America's Boating Club offer free, no-consequence vessel safety inspections.
Official Resources
Learn more at these trusted sources for National Safe Boating Week.
Safe Boating Campaign
The official hub for National Safe Boating Week — resources, toolkits, social media templates, fact sheets, and more.
safeboatingcampaign.com →
National Safe Boating Council
The non-profit organization behind the campaign — dedicated to promoting safe and responsible boating nationwide.
safeboatingcouncil.org →
USCG — Life Jacket Wear
U.S. Coast Guard guidance on choosing, fitting, and wearing USCG-approved life jackets for all types of water activity.
uscgboating.org →
10 Tips for National Safe Boating Week
Discover Boating's practical checklist of ten things every boater should do to stay safe on the water this season.
discoverboating.com →
Safe Boating Week Toolkit
Free downloadable posters, fact sheets, proclamation templates, newsletter copy, and social media graphics for the campaign week.
safeboatingcampaign.com →
NOAA — Safe Boating Week
NOAA's National Weather Service page for National Safe Boating Week, with marine weather resources and safety information.
weather.gov →
USCG Press Release
Official U.S. Coast Guard press release urging safe boating practices during National Safe Boating Week.
news.uscg.mil →
Sea Scouts BSA
Sea Scouts' National Safe Boating Week page — how youth programs across the country participate in the campaign.
seascout.org →
Learn Safe Boating With Us
America's Boating Club – Golden Isles offers year-round courses, seminars, and on-the-water training to help you become a safer, more confident boater.
View Our Courses