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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.
• Cold water can cause shock in seconds. Always wear a life jacket and dress for the water temperature.
• Winter boating requires preparation. Bring proper gear and know how cold water affects the body.
• Hypothermia happens fast. Plan ahead, check conditions, and stay safe this season.

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 teaches the basic navigation rules of boating. Watch at your own pace, and test your knowledge at the end of each video.
• Start the year strong – take a boating safety course and gain the skills that save lives.
• Whether online or in person, boating education makes every trip safer.
• Training matters. Sign up for a boating safety course today.

March

Theme: Vessel Safety Inspection and 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!
• Before you launch this spring, schedule a free vessel safety check.
• A well-maintained boat is a safer boat. Complete your spring maintenance now.
• Vessel safety checks can prevent the most common boating issues.

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!
• A cell phone is not enough. Carry a VHF radio every time you head out.
• Communication devices save lives – make sure yours are working and accessible.
• In an emergency, reliable communication makes all the difference.

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)!
• Life jackets only work when worn. #WearIt every time you’re on the water.
• Engine cut-off switches protect everyone onboard. Use yours every trip.
• National Safe Boating Week is here – let’s make safety a habit.

June

Theme: Water Sports and 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.
• Know before you go – review rental agreements and safety rules.
• Always wear a life jacket while participating in towed sports. It’s the smartest move on the water.
• Learn hand signals before tubing, skiing, or wakeboarding.

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.
• In the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2024 recreational boating statistics, alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents, accounting for 92 deaths.
• Stay hydrated while boating, but save the alcohol for when you are back on land. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a deadly combination.
• The effects of alcohol are intensified on water. Sun, wind, and wave motion dehydrates the body and lowers a person’s tolerance to alcohol, meaning that even one or two drinks can have a much stronger effect on the water than on land.
• Operating a boat under the influence is illegal in all 50 states and can result in hefty fines, jail time, and loss of boating privileges.
• Never operate a boat under the influence – alcohol and water don’t mix.
• Impairment reduces coordination and reaction time. Choose a sober skipper.
• Operation Dry Water reminds us: Safe boating means sober boating.

August

Theme: Paddlecraft Safety

• Paddlers: Make sure to wear a life jacket and leash appropriate for your venue when using a standup paddleboard.
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It’s the #1 lifesaving tool. Wear it snug and properly fitted.
• Check the Weather: Avoid paddling in storms, high winds, or rough water. Weather changes fast – always check local forecasts.
• Plan Your Trip and Share It: Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
• Know Your Limits: Paddle within your skill level. Take a class if you’re new.
• Check Your Equipment: Inspect your paddle, vessel, and safety gear before heading out. Bring a rescue whistle – it’s required in many locations.
• Stay Visible: Wear bright clothing. Use reflective tape and lights – especially at dawn, dusk, or in fog.
• Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Impairment greatly increases your risk of drowning or collision.
• Dress for Immersion: Wear water-appropriate clothing, especially in cold weather. Hypothermia is a real threat even in mild air temps.
• Paddlers: Wear a life jacket and make yourself visible.
• Know the rules: Paddlecraft are vessels and must follow the navigation rules.
• Bring required gear, check conditions, and plan your route.

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.
• Fall hunts and fishing trips require life jackets too – wear yours every outing.
• Secure gear, keep firearms unloaded, and watch changing weather.
• Safety never takes a season off – prepare before each trip.

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.
• Winterize your boat now to prevent costly repairs later.
• Clean, inspect, and store your equipment properly this fall.
• Protect your investment with end-of-season maintenance.

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!
• Now is the time to check your boat registration and renew early.
• Proper registration improves safety and emergency response.
• Review your paperwork before next season and avoid delays.

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!
• Give the gift of safety – life jackets and safety gear make great holiday presents.
• Shopping for a boater? Choose gifts that support safer adventures.
• Safety gear is a gift that lasts all year long.

Adventure Ready

• Great adventures start with great preparation. Check your gear, know the weather, and make sure you’re Adventure Ready before every trip.
• Build confidence on the water: take a safety course, learn emergency procedures, and keep your skills sharp. That’s Adventure Ready.
• Being Adventure Ready means carrying the right safety equipment—and knowing how to use it. Build your checklist today.
• Every voyage is unique. Plan your route, share your float plan, and stay aware of changing conditions.
• Whether you’re paddling, cruising, fishing, or sailing, preparation is key. Make Adventure Ready your mindset.
• Adventure Ready isn’t just for big trips. Even short outings require safety gear, life jackets, and a solid plan.
• Before leaving shore, double-check your communication devices. The best adventures are safe adventures.
• Weather can change fast. Review the forecast and be ready for the adventure.
• A life jacket is your most essential safety tool. Wear it every time—you and your crew deserve a safe adventure.
• Adventure Ready means being situationally aware. Look out for hazards, other vessels, and changing conditions.

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day

• Be a safety hero. Wear your life jacket at work and share why you #WearIt.
• Celebrate the 2026 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 15, 2026!
• Join us for Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on Friday, May 15!
• Life jackets save lives! #wearyourlifejacketatworkday is Friday, May 15.
• Safety isn’t optional – help raise life jacket awareness.

Hashtags:

• General: #safeboating, #adventureready
• Life Jackets: #wearit, #lifejacketssavelives
• Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day: #wearyourlifejacketatworkday
• National Safe Boating Week: #nationalsafeboatingweek