National Safe Boating Week Begins May 16
May 4, 2026

The National Safe Boating Campaign, an annual campaign to raise life jacket awareness and recreational boating safety, kicks off with National Safe Boating Week on Saturday, May 16th.

Nationally, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 566 deaths due to recreational boating accidents in 2024. Drowning is the reported cause of death in three-quarters of these boating fatalities. Life jackets were not worn in 87 percent of these tragic accidents. This illustrates many boating fatalities that might have been avoided if only a life jacket had been worn. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, there were 22 recreational boating deaths and 192 ‘reportable incidents’ in Tennessee in 2024.

Accidents happen quickly - if you’re not wearing your life jacket, you won’t have time to put it on. Life jackets are for everyone, regardless of your age or swimming ability. Always wear it!

Boaters are urged to take advantage of programs offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron, volunteer organizations dedicated to promoting safe boating. Both offer a variety of safe boating courses and free vessel safety checks to help ensure a boat is properly equipped. To find out more, visit www.cgaux.org or www.usps.org

Get more information regarding National Safe Boating Week at safeboatingcouncil.org.