Safety Tips

Find everything you need to know about boating safety with these tips from the U.S. Coast Guard and other boating experts.

Ten Tips to Make Docking Easy and Safe

Follow these simple rules to alleviate the dread of docking.

Label That Human-Powered Watercraft

Add ownership and phone information to your paddlecraft or small unregistered boat.

By Steve Griffin posted Mar 27th, 2020

Today, bright orange “If Found” stickers are available through local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas, United States Power Squadrons offices, kayak and canoe shops and…
Towing Tubes Safely

Riding on towable tubes is one of the most accessible and inclusive ways there is to enjoy the water.

By Steve Griffin posted Mar 27th, 2020

Riding on towable tubes is one of the most accessible, inclusive and just plain fun ways there is to enjoy the water. But the greater surface area on a tube produces…
Keep a Proper Lookout

As boat captain, it's your responsibility to maintain an unobstructed view from the helm.

By Steve Griffin posted Mar 25th, 2020

Rule 5 requires that every vessel “shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing…

Emergency Procedures

Avoiding, or Dealing with, Flooding

Central to enjoyable boating is keeping water out of the boat.
Don’t Become a Recreational-Boating Fatality Statistic

Stay safe; wear a life jacket
Boating Accident? Don’t Forget to Report!

Guidelines for filing an accident report.

Navigation

Playing by the Rules?

It’s time to brush up on your navigation knowledge
Safely Navigate Using Buoys

How to make sense of navigational aids.
Boat Safer By Slowing Down

Take time to stop and observe.

Seamanship

Keep a Proper Lookout

As boat captain, it's your responsibility to maintain an unobstructed view from the helm.
Brush Up on Your Boating Skills

Becoming a safer boater is good. Becoming a more competent and confident boater is better yet.
Take On Head Seas More Smoothly

Beat the abuse of head seas with these helpful tips.

Docking and Mooring

Anchored for the Evening: Post a Lookout to Stay Safe

Posting an anchor watch will help keep you and your crew safe at night.
Tossing a Dock Line

There's more to tossing a dock line than you might think.
10 Simple Rules for Better Docking

Follow our 10-step program to take the chaos out of docking.

Safety Gear

Why You Should Always Use Your Engine Cutoff Device

Simple and mechanical, it’s practically foolproof—if you’re wearing it.
Life Jacket Extras

There are many ways beyond flotation in which your life jacket can become your best friend.
The Life Jacket Worn is the One That Can Save You

One doesn’t look foolish in a life jacket. One looks responsible.