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.

Doug Stange of The Sportsman Channel Shares His Best Advice

This video 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.

Ride Dry, Drive Dry with Erica (@erica_lynn.2) Lynn

Professional angler Erica (@erica_lynn.2) Lynn reminds everyone to take the pledge and avoid alcohol while boating. Whether you’re driving the boat, reeling in the catch of the day or shredding the wake, always Ride Dry and Drive Dry.

DeVaul “De” Henderson

In partnership with NauticEd, De co-developed the first combined online knowledge and on-the-water practical training program for basic sailing education, which has set a new industry benchmark. NauticEd features an extensive e-learning theory curriculum for sailing knowledge coupled with practical on-the-water skills training programs facilitated via a global network of experienced instructors. To date, NauticEd has provided more than a quarter million sailing courses to students worldwide.

Widespread Increase in Boating Activity and Access to Boating & Education Reported by Water Sports Foundation

Strong Surge Reported in Boat Sales, Shared Boating Platforms and Boating Education ORLANDO, Fla. – July 27, 2021 – When it comes to boating activity, 2020 proved an epic year with the pandemic delivering an upside surprise to the recreational boating industry. People took to the water in historic numbers as a safe escape from […]

Launch a Rental Boat, While on Vacation – Sea Tow Foundation

For most boaters, it wouldn’t be a true vacation without spending some time on the water. Fortunately, taking the helm of a rental boat or being part of a boat club is an easy and often an affordable option for you and your family.

How New Technologies and Boater Education Are Saving Lives

As pandemic conditions generated a surge of 415,000 first-time boat buyers in 2020, a 35% increase, recently released U.S. Coast Guard figures indicate a 26% increase in boating accidents, 25% increase in injuries and 25% increase in boating fatalities during the same time period.

WSF Executive Director Jim Emmons Statement Regarding New 2020 USCG Statistics Report

WSF Executive Director Jim Emmons believes that the new 2020 report and statistics are sobering and uphold the long-standing message that the Water Sports Foundation has proffered for years: “Get skills training before you take a boat or paddle craft out on the water.”

2020 Recreational Boating Statistics - Published June 2021

Recreational Boating Statistics 2020

An annual compilation of recreational boating statistics in the United States, compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard using data supplied by the U.S. states and territories. Recreational Boating Statistics 2020 was released on June 30, 2021. New reports are published in early summer using certified data from the previous year.

U.S. Coast Guard Releases 2020 Boating Safety Statistics Report

The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report Wednesday, revealing that there were 767 boating fatalities nationwide in 2020, a 25.1 percent increase from 2019.

Deaths by Vessel Type by Year, including Canoe, Kayak & SUP, 2011-2020

Table showing deaths by vessel type, by year, from 2011 through 2020, including canoe, kayak and SUP.

Don’t Let Alcohol Crash America’s Birthday Celebration On the Water

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

NauticEd Reports Sailing Charter Vacation Bookings and Education Enrollments Are Soaring

As consumer travel surges ahead on a tide of pent-up demand, NauticEd has reported an increase in vacation yacht bookings almost 10 times greater than 2020 and 38% greater than pre-COVID years.

Top Boating Tips to Safely Navigate Busy Fourth of July Festivities Including Fireworks Shows, Group Raft-Ups

Throughout the country, boaters are expected to cruise to popular gathering spots this Fourth of July weekend with friends and family, with plans to raft up, drop anchor and swim, enjoy barbeques and cap off festivities with spectacular fireworks celebrations.

Top Boating Tips to Safely Navigate Busy Fourth of July Festivities Including Fireworks Shows, Group Raft-Ups

Throughout the country, boaters are expected to cruise to popular gathering spots this Fourth of July weekend with friends and family, with plans to raft up, drop anchor and swim, enjoy barbecues and cap off festivities with spectacular fireworks celebrations.

Boating Industry Insider Podcast Talks About National Safe Boating Week with Jim Emmons

Joining Boating Industry content director David Gee in this episode is Jim Emmons to discuss the latest boating safety statistics, the impact on boating safety with a rise in the number of first-time boaters, and the part the entire boating industry can play when it comes to boating safety education.

12 Top Boating Safety Tips for the Busy Summer Boating Season

With new and used boat sales soaring to record highs in 2020 to first-time boat buyers, boating safety stakeholders are taking extra measures to communicate and promote safe boating practices in advance of the busy summer boating season.

All About Engine Cut-Off Switches: The $20 Device that Saves Boater’s Lives Is Now Required By Federal Law

An engine cut-off switch is one of the most essential boating safety devices. Also called a “safety lanyard” or “engine kill switch,” it’s designed to shut off a boat’s engine if the operator is thrown from the helm.

A Beginner’s Guide to Safer Paddling: 8 Tips for Success

Paddling is one of the fastest growing segments of the recreational and outdoor market. With easy access to water throughout the country and a plethora of affordable kayaks, paddleboards and canoes on the market, most anyone can set off on a wonderful adventure and enjoy the benefits of life on the water and the great outdoors.