Water Safety

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How to Stay Safe in the Water

Water safety starts with following important guidelines and rules.

Wear a Life Jacket

85% of the fatal boating accident victims who drowned were not wearing a life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD). Learn what type of PFD you need and how to use it.

Use the Ignition Safety Switch

Motorboats and personal watercraft must have an engine cut-off switch to keep boaters safe if they go overboard. Learn more about this requirement for water vessels.

Learn to Swim Safely

Follow these safety tips to ensure your swimming safety, especially in natural environments and bodies of water.

Boat Safely

These safety regulations, tips and resources will ensure you stay safe on the water.

Boat Education

Boating Laws & Regulations

Tips and Guides

Keep Your Family Safe

Hear from witnesses and survivors of boating accidents, and learn how to keep young children safe.

Listen to Teens’ Stories

Watch true stories of water tragedies told by teen witnesses and survivors. Young people believe it will never happen to them and the goal of this video is to change that behavior.

Hear Parents’ Stories

Parents whose teens were involved in boating or swimming-related accidents bravely share their stories in an effort to prevent future tragedies.

Keep Small Kids Safe

Follow these tips from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. It only takes a moment for a child to slip below the surface.

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