FREE CHILD LIFEJACKET LOANER PROGRAM

Boat US Foundation FREE Loaner Lifejackets are available in all 50 states, so there is no excuse
why all children should not be wearing an appropriate and properly sized Lifejacket

Locate a site near you:  Alphabetical Listing   or   Chart/Map

Although "Safety" is an attitude rather than a set of rules,
most boating fatalities, serious injuries or major losses can be prevented
by following these Practices, Guidelines & Tips!

1. Never Drink & Boat  -  Drinking alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, reduces physical agility and diminish coordination which do not go well with the unpredictable and hostile environment that often exists on the Chesapeake Bay and other large bodies of water.

2. Wear a Lifejacket  -  It could make the difference between life & death.  Lifejackets could have saved 85% of victims who drowned in boating accident.  States require children to wear a lifejacket when underway and not inside a closed cabin.  For children less than 4 years old or under 50 pounds, Maryland requires additional safety features.

3. Properly Equip Lifejackets  -  Under conditions of darkness, poor visibility, rough seas or stormy weather, a whistle, signal mirror, flashlight, strobe light, flares, knife or dye marker attached to a Lifejacket could make the difference between life & death.  Although relatively expensive, an EPIRB or portable waterproof VHF radio attached to vessel operators Lifejacket is a best practice.

4. Invest in a VHF Radio  -  Keep it near helm & set to Channel 16 so important information being broadcasted can be monitored and it is ready to use in an emergency.   Make sure everyone knows how to operate the radio, since knowing when & how to use the radio can make the difference between a minor and major loss (injuries) or even life and death in an emergency.

5. Be Weather Wise  -  Check the weather before heading out and then remain alert to changes in the sky, wind, and water conditions throughout the day.  Use your VHF Radio to regularly check the latest weather forecasts (especially after 12:00 PM during the summer months).  Immediately head to shore at the first signs of deteriorating weather conditions.

6. Properly Equip & Maintain Vessel  -  to reduce the probability of problems occurring and be prepared to deal with them when they do occur.  Examine your own vessel or get a Free Vessel Safety Check at the beginning of each boating season to ensure critical equipment and systems are in good working order and then use a checklist (see item 8.) before each outing to verify their ongoing operational status.  

7. File a Float Plan  -  Let family or friends know where you’re going, how you plan to get there, how many people will be onboard, when you expect to return, how to contact you & what your vessel looks like (type, size, color, description, name & hailing port).

8. Use a Safety Checklist  -  As the operator of a watercraft, you are responsible for the vessel as well as everyone onboard, so be prepared to deal with the unexpected by properly equipping your vessel, using a pre-underway checklist, following these safety practices and reviewing safety procedures with family members, friends and guests before each outing.  

9. Take a Boating Course  -  Be sure to check state & local requirements.  The USCG recommends everyone take a basic boating safety course and boat owners/operators attend a refresher or a more advanced course at least once every three years.  A wide range of courses are available to help maintain and improve your boating knowledge and skills, so why not team-up with family, friends, neighbors or colleagues to take a courses this year.

Additional Boating Safety Resources:

1. Boating Safety & Survival Tips

2. Recalls & Safety Defects

3. Boat Smart For The Young (including young at heart)

4. Paddle Sport & Utility Boats