National Public Relations Outreach Campaign

The Water Sports Foundation’s National Public Relations Outreach Campaign produced the largest online repository of boating safety content, using materials provided by the United States Coast Guard, the Water Sports Foundation, and other boating safety nonprofits, organizations and stakeholders. The purpose of the National Boating Safety Media Center was to create a comprehensive, one-stop resource featuring relevant boating safety content and statistical data, still and video images, and expert contacts available for media interviews.

The campaign created a curated database of national and regional media that cover boating and boating safety, including television, magazines, newspapers, radio, podcasts and social media. This database was developed and used during the project’s funding period in 2020 – 2021, resulting in 641 news stories and more than 1 billion potential media impressions. The database and media center continue to be a valuable resource for journalists and recreational boating safety advocates.

Photos: PWC with a Properly Fitting Life Jacket

Photos showing a rider on a Personal Watercraft (PWC), wearing a properly fitting Life Jacket

People Enjoying Boating

Photos showing the crew of a towboat enjoying being out on the water

Wake Surfing

Photos showing a boat with a wake surfer behind it

Video: Wake Pro Meagan Ethell on Riding Dry and Flying High

Pro wakeboarder Meagan Ethell remind boaters that operating a boat under the impairment of alcohol or drugs is really bad idea. Alcohol is the number one leading contributor to boating accidents. Take the pledge and Ride Dry, Drive Dry or at least designate a sober skipper.

Video: Why Steel Lafferty Always Rides Dry

This video reminds boaters that operating a boat under the impairment of alcohol or drugs is really bad idea. Alcohol is the number one leading contributor to boating accidents. Take the pledge and Ride Dry, Drive Dry or at least designate a sober skipper.

Video: Pro Wakeboarder Danny Harf: Ride Dry, Drive Dry

Pro Rider and four-time X Games champ Danny Harf reminds boaters that operating a boat under the impairment of alcohol or drugs is a really bad idea. Alcohol is the number one leading contributor to boating accidents. Take the pledge and Ride Dry, Drive Dry or at least designate a sober skipper.

Video: Pro Angler Shaw Grigsby’s Best Advice

Pro Angler Shaw Grigsby reminds boaters that operating a boat under the impairment of alcohol or drugs is a really bad idea. Alcohol is the number one leading contributor to boating accidents. Take the pledge and Ride Dry, Drive Dry or at least designate a sober skipper.

Video: Pro Angler Bernie Schultz On Sober Boating

Pro Angler Bernie Schultz reminds boaters that operating a boat under the impairment of alcohol or drugs is a really bad idea. Alcohol is the number one leading contributor to boating accidents. Take the pledge and Ride Dry, Drive Dry or at least designate a sober skipper.

Photos: Boater with Handheld VHF Marine Band Radio

Photos showing boaters holding and speaking into a handheld VHF marine band radio

License-free Photos: Kids in Properly Fitting Life Jackets

Photos of a group of young girls on a boat, all wearing properly-fitting Life Jackets

Deaths Injuries Accidents by Year USCG 2019 Recreational Boating Statistics featured

Deaths, Injuries & Accidents by Year, 2000-2019

Boating deaths, injuries and accidents by year, from 2000 to 2019.

Percent Fatal Accidents by Month 2019 USCG Recreational Boating Statistics 8 feature

Percentage of 2019 Boating Accidents by Month

Chart and table showing the percentage of boating accidents that are fatal, by month, in 2019.

Vessel Registration by State 2019 USCG Recreational Boating Statistics 7 feature2

Distribution of 2019 Recreational Vessel Registration by State

Distribution of 2019 recreational vessel registrations by state.

Common River Hazards and Obstacles

Graphical guide to common river hazards and obstacles, and how to deal with each.

Dress for Immersion

If you’re going to be on the water, you need to be prepared to be in the water. Following best safety practices starts with the right equipment.

Always Check the Forecast

Some planning is necessary for any outdoor adventure. But often overlooked is one simple, yet critical checklist item: Check the weather forecast.

Always Paddle Sober

Being impaired by alcohol or drugs simply complicates any situation when it suddenly turns sideways. On a paddling excursion, the unpredictable nature of any body of water needs to be at the forefront of that clear mind.

Paddle with a Partner

When it comes to paddling in any body of water, it’s crucial to be mindful that no matter how calm and docile, conditions can change at any moment.