Template Posts

The Safe Boating Campaign has a variety of images and infographics to accompany the following sample social media posts. Visit the Resources page.

Hashtags

*Use more than one hashtag to help further the reach of your posts
*Tag the Safe Boating Campaign (Facebook: @Safe Boating Campaign, Twitter: @boatingcampaign)

• General: #safeboating, #weloveboating
• Life Jackets: #realboaterswearit, #lifejacketsSAVElives
• Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day: #wearyourlifejacketatworkday
• National Safe Boating Week: #nationalsafeboatingweek

Boat Handling and Navigation

• Always maintain a proper lookout and be aware of other boaters and the environment while boating.
• Boating unprepared can have dangerous consequences. The opposite is also true.
• Never reverse your boat to pick someone up out of the water. Go around again.
• Prepared boaters have the most fun!
• Recreational boats operating at night are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise.
• Take a boating safety course. As a boat owner or operator, you are responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. Safety starts with YOU!

Boating Under the Influence

• Protect your life and others – always #boatsober.
• There are many dangers to boating under the influence. Protect your life and others – never BUI! #operationdrywater
• Timeless tip: Always boat sober.

Carbon Monoxide

• Know before you go! Carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate at slow speeds, while idling, or when stopped.
• Know before you go! If you can smell engine exhaust, you are inhaling CO.
• Know how and where carbon monoxide may accumulate around your boat.
• Know the risk: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, and can accumulate in and around your boat – even while open air boating.
• Many people are surprised they can get carbon monoxide poisoning when their activity is outdoors. Know the risk.

Cold Water

• A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in your lungs to drown.
• Dress properly for the weather, always wear layers, and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Remember, dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
• Even experienced swimmers will experience shock within one minute in frigid water and lose muscle control within 10 minutes.
• Exercise extra care this time of year. Cold water boating carries a different set of risks. Make sure to always wear your life jacket – over your coat, never under – and attach your engine cut-off switch.
• Remember, it’s dark earlier, so plan accordingly.

Communication

• Always be prepared for the unexpected – wear a life jacket – and don’t only depend on your cell phone for communication.
• Always bring and know how to use at least two communication devices (other than a cell phone) while boating.
• Always make sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return! A good float plan and carrying two reliable forms of communication could mean the difference between LOST and FOUND!
• A personal locater beacon is an easy safety device to add to any #realboater’s collection – and can mean the difference between being lost and found!
• A VHF Radio is an essential piece of safety equipment. Make sure you know how to make an emergency call for help.
• Did you know your Apple iPhone 14 and 14 Pro has satellite communication capabilities? When no cellular network is available, boaters can still use a satellite connection to text emergency services. Learn more at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426
• Did you know your iPhone may have satellite communication capabilities! Learn more at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426, and always bring two forms of communication when boating.
• Dress in layers, wear a life jacket, and file a float plan with a friend or loved one staying on shore.
• Keep in touch. Bring at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), VHF radios, and personal locator beacons (PLB).
• Make sure to mark dinghies, kayaks, canoes, and all other small watercraft with your personal contact information! This helps the U.S. Coast Guard when such a vessel is found afloat at sea.
• Many PLBs clip to your life jacket – a two for one for #safeboating and #realboaters.
• Many PLBs clip to your life jacket! It’s so easy to be a #safeboater!
• #realboaters always map out their adventure – don’t forget to file a float plan!
• Remember to bring two forms of communication that work when wet – cell phones are not always reliable!
• Remember, your cell phone is not a reliable source for communication when you’re out on the water. Its range is limited, and they do not work if they get wet. VHF is best!

Engine Cut-Off Switch

*Don’t forget to use the hashtags #getconnected #safeboatingtips

• A fun day on the water includes all of the right gear – including an engine cut-off switch.
• A majority of new boats already have an engine cut-off switch installed. Older boats may need to have a switch installed.
• An engine cut-off switch is considered an essential safety item.
• An engine cut-off switch stops the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.
• As you head out this weekend, make sure to use your engine cut-off switch.
• Before you head out this weekend, make sure you have all of the essentials. An engine cut-off switch is a proven lifesaving device.
• In addition to a life jacket, make sure to always wear or use an engine cut-off switch.
• In less than one minute, a boater can connect an engine cut-off switch, put on a life jacket and potentially save lives.
• It only takes a second to fall overboard when a boat hits a wave, wake, takes a sharp turn, runs into a submerged object or suffers steering failure.
• Life Jacket: ✓ Engine cut-off switch: ✓ Fun day on the water: ✓
• Most propeller injuries and fatalities are preventable.
• No one plans on falling overboard. In addition to a life jacket, make sure to wear or use your engine cut-off switch – every time.
• Plan for the unexpected. Use an engine cut-off switch – every time.
• Propeller facts: a typical three-blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict 160 impacts in one second.
• Real-deal boaters love their gear – including an engine cut-off switch.
• #realrisks of falling overboard: you may be struck by the boat propeller, left behind as the boat takes off without you, or the boat may continue to circle, striking others in the water. It only takes a moment to #getconnected and #stayconnected.
• Tap like (or love!) if you use your engine cut-off switch (ECOS)!
• Tap like (or love!) if you use your ECOS!
• The U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommends that boaters always use the engine cut-off switch when operating a boat. If the boat doesn’t have one, it is recommended that it is installed. Don’t launch without it!
• Using an engine cut-off switch is proven to save lives!
• Using an engine cut-off switch reduces the risk of propeller injuries and deaths.
• Whatever device you choose – just make sure you use it!
• Which ECOS is right for you? A lanyard will connect you directly to the engine cut-off device, whereas a wireless device can cut power to the engine remotely, sensing when the boat operator goes overboard. Bonus: wireless devices can also track the boat’s location and call for help in an emergency.
• You may also hear an engine cut-off switch referred to as an engine cut-off system, engine cut-off device, kill-switch lanyard, or kill-switch.
  #themoreyouknow #fastfacts

Gear

• Are you ready for your next adventure? Make sure you have all of your essential gear.
• Going boating? Be sure to inspect all essential equipment and your boat before heading out.
• Heading out hunting or fishing? A life jacket should be part of your essential gear. Any time you’re on the water, wear your life jacket.
• Life jacket, engine cut-off switch, VHF radio – we’re good to go.
• Make sure to always wear a life jacket and attach your engine cut-off switch. Seemingly small choices can have a huge impact – and even save a life!
• Part of being #adventureready is having the right gear! What do you never leave home without?
• Paddlers: Make sure to wear a life jacket and leash appropriate for your venue when using a standup paddleboard.
• Real boaters love their gear. What do you always bring boating?
• Wear your engine cut-off switch and your life jacket at ALL times.

Life Jackets

• A real boater is always ready for the water. A real boater wears it out.
• #DidYouKnow drowning is the reported cause of death in four out of every five boating fatalities?
• It’s always #worthit to #wearit
• Dress in layers, wear a life jacket, and file a float plan with a friend or loved one staying on shore.
• Heading out on the water? Make sure you are prepared and always wear a life jacket.
• Heading out to enjoy a nice day on the water? Make sure you and your family are prepared with the right style and fit life jackets.
• Life is good. Wear a life jacket.
• Make sure you and your family are ready to have the best day on the water by always wearing a life jacket, having all required safety gear, and knowing how to responsibly handle your boat.
• Real love is a life jacket.
• Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives.
• Remember to #wearit like a pro! Always wear your life jacket over your coat – never underneath.
• Safety isn’t optional, always make sure your life jacket fits properly and in good condition before heading out on the water.
• Seasons change, but one look never goes out of style – a life jacket!
• Tell your friends – life jackets are in.
• Tell your friends – life jackets are cool.
• The best life jacket is one you will wear. 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 #wearit!
• The weather is getting nicer and many of you are heading out on the water soon. Make sure your life jacket and other gear is functioning properly.
• Water safety starts before you are out on the water. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved for the activity.
• Wear a life jacket – you never know who may be looking up to you!
• Wherever your adventure leads you, remember to always wear your life jacket.

Rental Boat Safety

• Renting a paddle craft? Make sure to wear your life jacket!
• Renting a boat is a GREAT way to #getoutside and enjoy the water! Make sure to get some local knowledge before heading out on your next adventure.
• If renting a boat is on your radar this season, make sure to investigate your destination ahead of time, including changing tides in the area. @InspiredbyHan
• Member of a boat club? Make sure to take them up on any on-water training opportunities they provide for their members before heading out on your next adventure.
• If renting a boat is a part of your summer adventure, be sure to locate the boat’s safety equipment in case of an emergency (VHF radio, flares, horn) before you leave shore.
• Whether renting or owning a boat – always obey the navigation rules! Learn more at www.boatoncourse.com.

Safety

• A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a courtesy examination of your boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Be a safety hero. Make sure you and your family always wear a life jacket while boating.
• Be sure to know your boat’s capacity. If you have too much on your boat, the boat may become unstable and capsize.
• Enjoy the water, but always do so with a life jacket on – they save lives!
• Following proper fueling procedures helps protect our waterways and marine life.
• Heading out to enjoy a nice day on the water? Make sure you and your family are prepared with the right style and fit life jackets.
• It’s that time of year! Make sure to get your vessel safety check!
• Real boaters wear life jackets.
• Safety isn’t optional – always make sure your life jacket fits properly and is in good condition before heading out on the water.
• Safety starts with you. Make sure you and your friends always have properly fitted life jackets on while enjoying a day on the water.
• Think life jackets aren’t for you? Think again. 83 percent of reported drownings occur when the person wasn’t wearing a life jacket.
• Water safety starts before you are out on the water. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved for the activity.

Water Sports

• Water sports are a blast! Always wear a life jacket – even if you feel you are a strong swimmer!
• Heading out for a day of fun on the water? Make sure to let someone at home know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Towed sports are a great way to enjoy the water! Make sure to inspect all boating safety and sport equipment before heading out on your next trip.
• Water sports are enjoyed best in pairs! Bring an experienced buddy with you to ensure your day is both fun and safe!
• Don’t forget your non-slip shoes in addition to any protective gear you may need for a fun day on the water – including a life jacket!
• With the adrenaline rush of towed sports, make sure to stretch, hydrate, and stay within your limits. Remember, a safe day on the water is a perfect day on the water.
• When you engage in water sports, make sure you’re familiar with your surroundings. Boating restrictions, changing weather conditions, and currents in the area are all important to know before heading out on the water.

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day

*Don’t forget to use the hashtag #wearyourlifejacketatworkday

• Be a safety hero. Wear your life jacket at work and share why safety matters to you.
• Celebrate the 2023 launch of the Safe Boating Campaign by wearing your life jacket at work today! Life jackets save boaters’ lives.
• Don’t just store a life jacket for a “what-if” situation, always wear a life jacket while boating – or to work.
• Did you know drowning is the reported cause of death in four out of every five boating fatalities?
• Float the idea of safety to your boating friends and colleagues by wearing your life jacket at work today!
• Join organizations and individuals around the world – #wearyourlifejacketatworkday is Friday, May 19, 2023!
• Join us for Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on Friday, May 19!
• Life jackets save lives! #wearyourlifejacketatworkday is Friday, May 19.
• Life jackets save lives! If a boater is wearing one, their chance of survival from capsizing or a fall overboard will dramatically increase.
• Raise your hand if you wore your life jacket at work today – we did! Share your photo with us in the comments below.
• Safety isn’t optional – help raise life jacket awareness.
• Who says life jackets aren’t stylish? I wear mine at work!

Weather

• Check the latest weather forecast before you leave shore. Hop on over to weather.gov for the latest updates.
• Timeless tip: Make sure to check the latest weather forecast before you leave shore.