Safe Boating Week is Back!

Recreational boating is a popular pastime in Washington. In fact, nearly 225,000 vessels were registered in 2023. When you include Washington residents who own at least one canoe, kayak, rowboat, or stand-up paddle board, boats and boaters are everywhere!

That?s why every May, the Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program promotes the National Safe Boating Week campaign to remind people about the importance of safe boating. Boating is not without risk. The chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest can be unforgiving, and safety must be on the minds of everyone who plays in and around Washington?s waterways.

During the week of May 19-26^th, we will be sharing safety tips and information on social media channels. For more information and resources you can use to help amplify the message, check out the official website.

Stay safe, wear a life jacket!

Wear your Life Jacket to Work Day!

May 19^th?is officially?Wear your Life Jacket to Work Day. Participants are encouraged to wear their life jacket during their daily routine to help promote and normalize life jacket wear.

Working from home? No problem, share your photos with #WearYourLifeJackettoWorkDay and join the national movement.

Always Wear a Life Jacket

State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person onboard. All children, age 12 and younger must always wear one.

The Boating Program encourages all boaters to wear their life jackets every time they go out on the water.

More Quick Tips for Safe Boating

Get educated.?All boaters and paddlers are responsible for knowing the laws and keeping themselves and others safe. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Washington state?s Boating Under the Influence (BUI) law applies to all boats including kayaks, canoes, rowboats and inflatable fishing rafts. Bring communication devices.?Boaters should carry two forms of communication that will work when wet, such as a whistle, waterproof cell phone or VHF marine radio. Check and understand the weather. Boaters should check the weather frequently before and during their boating excursion, keeping an eye on current conditions and forecasts. Beware of Cold Water Shock.?The biggest risk is not hypothermia, its cold-water shock, which occurs in the first stage of immersion. Boaters need to take caution and prepare themselves by always wearing a life jacket Use an Engine Cut-Off Switch.?Boaters may be required to us an engine cut-off switch depending on the type of vessel. Engine cut off switches are always encouraged.

Need a Boater Education Card?

Now is the time to get your boater education card if you plan to get out on the water this summer. Visit BoaterEd.Org to learn more about the Boater Education Card and how you can get one. If you need to get your boater education card, or order a replacement, be sure to allow 4-6 weeks to receive your card!