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.

Video: Operation Dry Water Billboard

B-roll footage of an Operation Dry Water billboard near a waterway.

Video: Law Enforcement Running Shot from Drone

Action shots of a Missouri State Water Patrol at Lake of the Ozarks shot from an aerial drone.

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.

Wear It Reminder Sign

Use this bold signage to remind customers, employees and others to remember to wear their life jacket.

National Safe Boating Week Ad Campaign

The 2021 National Safe Boating Week campaign reminds us to wear a life jacket for those that love us.

“Ready for the Unexpected” Ad Campaign

Accidents happen unexpectedly. Make sure you return home to your loved ones. Be ready for the unexpected. Wear it.

“Wear It Out” Ad Campaign

A real boater is always ready for the water. A real boater wears it out.

Video: America’s Waterway Watch – BoatOnCourse.com

Boat On Course, educational boating safety videos from the National Safe Boating Council, teach the basic navigation rules of boating. In this video, boaters will learn about America’s Waterway Watch, a nationally driven security program developed by the U.S. Coast Guard to educate the maritime industry and recreational boating public to recognize suspicious behavior on the water and report it. The program is similar to a neighborhood watch except there are no community meetings or membership required.

Video: Boating Offshore – BoatingOnCourse.com

Boat On Course, educational boating safety videos from the National Safe Boating Council, teach the basic navigation rules of boating. In this video, boaters will learn about traveling offshore. This not only includes the activities that you can do offshore but also the hazards you may encounter. Preparing for an offshore adventure can take a significant amount of time and planning. There are potential hazards offshore that need to be considered prior to launch.

Video: Marine Safety Information – BoatOnCourse.com

Boat On Course, educational boating safety videos from the National Safe Boating Council, teach the basic navigation rules of boating. In this video, boaters will learn about several marine safety information resources for boaters on operations and resources for their local area. From nautical publications to regular published notifications that share changes and updates to those publications, this information will help you operate safely in areas you may be familiar with and in new areas that you have never been to.

Video: Uniform Waterway Marking Systems – BoatOnCourse.com

Boat On Course, educational boating safety videos from the National Safe Boating Council, teach the basic navigation rules of boating. In this video, boaters will learn about information and regulatory markers along our waterways. These alert boaters to hazards, restricted areas, operating restrictions, swim zones, or they could provide directions and information.

Video: Understanding Aids to Navigation – BoatOnCourse.com

Boat On Course, educational boating safety videos from the National Safe Boating Council, teach the basic navigation rules of boating. In this video, boaters will learn frequent aids to navigation they will encounter on the water, and how these can help you enjoy your day on the water with confidence.

Water Sports Foundation Launches New “National Boating Safety Media Center” as Part of Media Outreach Campaign

As part of a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Outreach Grant, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) has just completed the first phase and launch of its new “National Boating Safety Media Center” which is designed to facilitate and support the work of journalists assigned to cover boating safety topics.

Recreational Boating Statistics 2019

Boating Statistics 2019, the 61st annual report, contains statistics on recreational boating accidents and state vessel registration. This publication is a result of the coordinated effort of the Coast Guard and those states and territories that have Federally-approved boat numbering and casualty reporting systems.

Special Report on Paddlesports & Safety

Each year, the Physical Activity Council (PAC) conducts the largest single-source research study of sports, recreation and leisure activity participation in the U.S. The PAC is made up of eight of the leading sports and manufacturer associations who are dedicated to growing participation in their respective sports and activities.