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Social Media Content

Coordinate these suggested social media posts with our library of free, downloadable infographics and photos. Follow us at @BoatingCampaign on Facebook, Instagram (official NSBC account), or X for more content ideas. We also highly recommend sharing videos and tips on your social media from Boat on Course. Tag safety partners and add hashtags to expand your reach!

Hashtags:

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

January

Theme: Cold Water Boating

  • 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.
  • Remember to #WearIt like a pro! Always wear your life jacket over your coat – never underneath.

February

Theme: Take a Safe Boating Course

  • 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!
  • Take a NSBC on-water powerboat training course. Find an instructor near you!
  • Learn online with the National Safe Boating Council’s Boat on Course program! Boat On Course teach the basic navigation rules of boating. Watch at your own pace, and test your knowledge at the end of each video.
  • Take a state specific boating safety course through the BoatUS Foundation! The BoatUS Foundation offers the only FREE online boating safety course developed specifically for your state.

March

Theme: Vessel Safety Inspection & Maintenance

  • 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.
  • It’s that time of year! Make sure to get your vessel safety check!

April

Theme: Communication Devices

  • Always bring and know how to use at least two communication devices (other than a cell phone) while boating.
  • 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 (or later; all models) has satellite communication capabilities? When no cellular network is available, boaters can still use a satellite connection to text emergency services. Learn more.
  • 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! It’s so easy to be a #safeboater!

May

Theme: Life Jackets and Engine Cut-Off Switches

  • A fun day on the water includes all of the right gear – including a life jacket and an engine cut-off switch.
  • Life is good. Wear a life jacket.
  • Wherever your adventure leads you, remember to always wear your life jacket.
  • Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives.
  • Safety isn’t optional, always make sure your life jacket fits properly and is 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 cool.
  • An engine cut-off switch is a proven lifesaving device.
  • 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.
  • Tap like (or love!) if you use your engine cut-off switch (ECOS)!

June

Theme: Water Sports & Rental Boat Safety

  • Water sports are a blast! Always wear a life jacket – even if you feel you are a strong swimmer!
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.

July

Theme: 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.

August

Theme: Paddlecraft Safety

  • Paddlers: Make sure to wear a life jacket and leash appropriate for your venue when using a standup paddleboard.

September

Theme: Hunting and Fishing

  • Hunters and anglers: Remember, recreational boats operating at night are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise.
  • 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.
  • Be sure to know your boat’s capacity. If you have too much on your boat, the boat may become unstable and capsize.
  • Check the latest weather forecast before you leave shore. Hop on over to weather.gov for the latest updates.

October

Theme: Fall Cleanup Storing Boat and Equipment

  • Boat Storage Tip! Remove your battery and store it somewhere warm and dry. Stored batteries should be brought to full charge once a month, so post yourself a reminder.
  • Boat Storage Tip! Pump out the holding tank and empty the freshwater tanks. Drain pumps and hoses completely before storing. Remove the bilge drain plug and drain your boat of any excess water.
  • Boat Storage Tip! Spending winters in a warm, dry place prolongs the life of your electronics. Taking them off the boat also eliminates the risk of theft.
  • Boat Storage Tip! If your hull has any damage either from sun, water, or other elements, make sure to repair it before putting it in storage as it may become worse with time.
  • Boat Storage Tip! Check that all lights work properly and keep the trailer somewhere safe and dry. Check for any corrosion on the trailer parts and replace if necessary.
  • Life Jacket Storage Tip! Before putting your life jackets away for the winter, ensure they’re in good condition and are completely dry! Replace as needed before the warm season begins.

November

Theme: Registration Renewals

  • November is your friendly reminder to renew your boat registration! Keeping your paperwork up to date keeps you clear for adventure – all season long.
  • Whether you’re planning your next big fishing trip, setting sail for island getaways, or just looking forward to lazy lake days – registration renewal is your first step.
  • Grab a cup of cocoa, log in, and take care of your registration renewal. Because every great adventure begins with a registered boat!
  • Keep it safe, legal, and ready to go. Don’t forget to fill out your registration renewal this month!

December

Theme: Holiday Gift Guides

  • Make waves this season with the perfect gift! Life jackets, throwables, dry bags, and emergency whistles are the gifts that keep on giving!
  • Give the gift of boating gear this season – the best gift is keeping your loved ones safe on the water.
  • Gift tip! Bundle up a new life jacket with a waterproof phone case and a floating key chain for the ultimate boating safety stocking stuffer!

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day

  • Be a safety hero. Wear your life jacket at work and share why you #WearIt.
  • Celebrate the 2025 launch of the Safe Boating Campaign by wearing your life jacket at work today! Life jackets save boaters’ lives.
  • Strong swimmers still need a life jacket.
  • 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 16, 2025!
  • Join us for Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on Friday, May 16!
  • Life jackets save lives! #wearyourlifejacketatworkday is Friday, May 16.
  • Safety isn’t optional – help raise life jacket awareness.