News Flash

News Releases

Posted on: May 16, 2023

National Safe Boating Week Starts May 19

OLYMPIA – May 16, 2023 – 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.

National Safe Boating Week takes place from May 19 to 26 and is coordinated each year by the National Safe Boating Council and boating safety partners across the United States and Canada. The campaign gives boaters tools to make responsible decisions daily, such as always wearing a life jacket, carrying the right equipment, and never boating under the influence. 

The week will kick off on May 19 with Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. This is a fun occasion where people can normalize life jacket wear by sporting theirs at their workplace or in virtual meetings, sharing photos and connecting on social media using #WearYourLifeJacketToWorkDay.

These safety reminders are more important than ever. According to Washington’s recreational boating accident data, in 2022:

  • 18 people lost their lives in a fatal accident, including two missing boaters.
  • 55% of those fatal accidents occurred on human powered watercraft.
  • Only one person had a boater education card.
  • 83% of victims were not wearing a life jacket.
  • Five fatalities were confirmed to have involved alcohol or drugs.
  • The oldest victim was age 77 and the youngest was 6.

Tips for Boating Safety

  • 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 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 are encouraged to use their engine cut-off switch every time they go boating.

For more information on boating safety, and other resources to promote Safe Boating Week, visit https://www.parks.wa.gov/435/Boating

News media contact:

Ashley Seydel, Boating Program Communications Consultant

ashley.seydel@parks.wa.gov

_________________________________________________________________

About the Boating Program

The Washington State Parks Boating Program administers several programs to keep boaters safe and informed of applicable regulations. In addition to Recreational Boating Safety, the Boating Program trains and certifies Marine Law Enforcement programs across the state and administers the Clean Vessel Act to fund pumpout stations that keep Washington waters clean.

News release number: 23-014

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in News Releases

State Parks Commission to meet in Lacey

Posted on: January 18, 2023

State Parks is hiring 305 park aides

Posted on: January 17, 2023

State Parks Commission to meet in Chelan

Posted on: November 8, 2022

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 13, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Pullman

Posted on: September 13, 2022

State Parks expands Beacon Rock

Posted on: June 15, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Kalama

Posted on: November 30, 2021

State parks launches new online store

Posted on: November 29, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this season

Posted on: October 5, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet in Richland

Posted on: September 3, 2021

Next Discover Pass free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 12, 2021

State Parks launches gift cards

Posted on: June 2, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this fall

Posted on: March 18, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: January 20, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: November 10, 2020

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Oct. 10

Posted on: September 28, 2020

State Parks announces free days for 2021

Posted on: September 22, 2020

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: September 10, 2020

State Parks prohibits campfires statewide

Posted on: September 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 18, 2020

State parks seek volunteers for 2020

Posted on: December 11, 2019

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 21, 2019

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2019

Sept. 28 is next State Parks free day

Posted on: September 9, 2019

Riverside State Park adds cabins

Posted on: August 20, 2019

State Parks announces free day March 19

Posted on: February 25, 2019

Help improve safety on Willapa Hills Trail

Posted on: November 21, 2018

2019 State Parks Calendar on sale now

Posted on: November 15, 2018

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 30, 2018

State Parks announces 2019 free days

Posted on: October 17, 2018

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 8, 2018

History comes alive at Sacajawea State Park

Posted on: September 12, 2018

Celebrate autumn at Lake Sylvia State Park

Posted on: September 4, 2018