Boating Safety Education

Large, colorful fireworks explode in the night sky above a body of water filled with boats, casting vibrant reflections and illuminating the dark surroundings—don’t forget to follow Boating Tips for Memorial Day for a safe and enjoyable celebration.

Top Boating Tips for Fourth of July Fireworks, Flotillas and Fun

America’s 250th Birthday Means Expanded Celebrations and More Boaters on the Waterways ORLANDO, Fla. – June 18, 2026 — Waterfront venues across the United States will host Independence Day celebrations to honor the nation’s 250th birthday with everything from fireworks shows to festive boat parades. This Fourth of July boaters should be well prepared to […]

Four children wearing life jackets sit together on a boat, laughing and smiling. Their feet are outstretched on red and black seats, enjoying calm water—a perfect scene for sharing Boating Tips for Memorial Day.

How to Boost the Fun Factor When Boating with Kids

Experts Share Advice on How to Keep Kids Engaged and Enjoying Family Time on the Water ORLANDO, Fla. – June 11, 2026 — Family boating adventures can do more than create fun summer memories — they help children build confidence, strengthen family relationships and develop a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors according to a national […]

A blue pontoon boat floats on a calm lake under a partly cloudy sky as two children in kid's life jackets jump into the water, while an adult watches from the boat. Lush green hills are visible in the background.

Eight Top Boating Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is the busiest boating weekend of the year ORLANDO, Fla. – May 12, 2026 – As the traditional opening of the summer boating season approaches this Memorial Day, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) encourages boaters to prepare for the busiest boating weekend of the year. “Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the start of […]

A person drives a red speedboat on a lake with blurred trees in the background. Large text reads, “Confidence is Contagious,” and several boater safety organization logos appear at the bottom.

The Confidence Game: Boater Education Gives Dealers an Edge

Boats these days are so feature-rich it seems they should sell themselves. But veteran dealers will tell you the key to closing the deal isn’t only just horsepower and electronics packages. A salesperson’s ability to show a prospective buyer how to safely operate and enjoy a boat often determines whether the deal gets signed. Customer […]

Top 10 Boating Safety Tips for Safe Summer Fun

With a 35% increase in new boat ownership and 415,000 new boaters taking to the waterways since 2020, boating participation will reach historic levels of participation this summer, says Water Sports Foundation Executive Director Jim Emmons. With the Memorial Day holiday traditionally serving as the kick-off to summer boating activity, Emmons says the Water Sports […]

4 Reasons to Take Boating Safety Courses

Boating safety courses contain a great deal of valuable information. Requirements and content vary by state so visit your state’s boater education web pages and check what boat safety courses are needed, if any. For example, Idaho and Alaska do not require boating safety education but in other states factors such as operator age and boat […]

On-Water Boating Skills Courses

Whether you’re an experienced boater or not, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your on-water skills.

In-Classroom or Online Boating Safety Courses

These courses take place in classroom or online settings and provide important information for safely operating a boat. They cover many aspects of boating safety, from reading the weather to planning a trip, and more.

NASBLA Approved Boating Courses

The course providers listed below have successfully completed a third-party conformity assessment process to verify the named course complies to the American National Standard for Power, Sail, or Human-Propelled. Successful completion means “The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.”

National Safe Boating Council Training

The National Safe Boating Council recommends all boaters participate in instruction and education prior to launching. Not only can you play a critical role in preventing a boating accident, your time on the water will be more enjoyable. We believe that a safe day on the water is a perfect day on the water. Whether you are a novice boater or a trainer, a paddler or powerboater, we have the educational options you need to increase your skills and knowledge.

Rental Boat Safety Media Resource Kit

Media materials, including boat-specific training (ranging from power boats to PWCs, canoes/kayaks and stand up paddleboards) covering such topics as basic navigation rules, general safe operating procedures, towing, lifejacket wear, and refraining from use of alcohol while boating.