5 Top Boating Safety Tips for 2026

5 Top Boating Safety Tips for 2026

Wondering what you need to know before going out on the water? Check out the latest safety tips for recreational boaters in the United States, and discover how to navigate responsibly no matter where you are.

Key Takeaways

• Boating safety has never been more important. U.S. officials are cracking down on existing laws and enforcing new ones in 2026.
• Our top five tips for boating safely and legally are: take a boating safety course (it’s a legal requirement in most states); leave dangerous objects onshore, make sure your know local laws and have up-to-date information; avoid drinking alcohol on your boat; and know the facts about life jackets (PFDs).

1. Take a Boating Safety Course: It’s Often a Legal Requirement

Taking a boat safety course isn’t just about learning the basics. It’s about taking to the water safely and legally wherever you are in the United States.

Boating education is legally required in many states

As of 2026, many states have phased in mandatory boating safety education for all operators, regardless of age. Operating without certification can result in fines or citations.

California, New York and Florida have well-established boating safety requirements, and other states like Minnesota and Massachusetts are following suit. Whether you are a local resident or just visiting for the weekend, expect to show digital or physical proof of certification.

Boat safety courses prepare you for common risks

A NASBLA-approved boating safety course covers everything from navigational rules to types of buoys and markers and required safety equipment. You will learn what to do in emergencies, and how to prepare for common boating challenges.

In addition to learning the basics in an online course, many boaters may also choose to take a separate boat handling course.

Boating safety also means following environmental regulations

Courses now include critical updates to 2026 environmental regulations, helping you avoid massive fines for accidental fuel spills (while navigating or refueling) or by illegally entering protected marine sanctuaries.

Boaters need to know how they impact their surroundings and what they can do to keep pristine environments healthy and ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

Bonus: Save on your boat insurance

Did you know that most major U.S. marine insurers offer a 10–15% discount on premiums for boaters who have completed an NASBLA-approved course?

2. Leave Dangerous Objects at the Dock

While many boaters focus on what to bring, what you leave behind can be just as critical for safety. The U.S. Coast Guard and boating safety experts recommend keeping these off your vessel:

Glass containers

A shattered bottle or glass can easily fall and smash with the movement of your boat, creating small, dangerous shards that are difficult to clear from deck grooves and wet surfaces.

Household extension cords

Never use standard indoor orange or white extension cords on a boat. They are not rated for moisture and pose a significant risk of electrical shock or fire.

The wrong footwear (hard-soled shoes)

Hard soles offer poor traction on wet fiberglass. Sliding across the deck is a common cause of man overboard incidents.

Electronics that you can’t tie down

Tablets or laptops can become flying hazards in rough water. Always keep electronics in a boat-safe, waterproof case.

Flammable boat decor

In 2026, the trend of glamping on boats has led to an uptick in fire incidents involving boat decor. Items like tiki torches, charcoal grills, or even loose decorative pillows near an engine or stove pose a serious fire hazard. Be prepared with a proper boat fire extinguisher, and learn about boating fire safety guidelines and  common causes of boat fires to prevent tragedy.

3. Stay Informed with Up-to-Date Local Information

Boating conditions vary widely across the country, so don’t presume you can apply the same approach to boating in Florida as in New York.

All kinds of factors will be different, from water temperature to local laws. 

Always verify the following before heading out:

• Local emergency contact numbers
• Local weather
• Local hazards (keep your marine charts handy)
• Local regulations and laws.

4. Never Drink Alcohol While Boating

Based on the most recent U.S. Coast Guard data (2024), alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, responsible for approximately 20% of all boating deaths. 

This has led to some changes in 2026. Overall, drinking and boating laws are becoming stricter, with harsher punishments that can also impact whether you are allowed to drive a car. 

For example, while passengers can drink, the person operating the vessel must remain under the legal limit, and in some cases, may not drink at all (or even hold a drink, or be within reach of one). If the engine is running or you are drifting, you are considered to be operating your vessel.

As of 2026, marine law enforcement and safety organizations are also intensifying their focus on boater’s hypnosis as a major contributing factor to impairment. This means you can be cited for BUI (Boating Under the Influence) even if you are under the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Note that the rules for drinking on a boat remain a complex mix of federal and state laws, so make sure to check what you are allowed to do depending on your location.

5. Know the Facts About Life Jackets

Your life jacket is probably the most important piece of boating safety equipment there is. Wearing a correctly fitted PFD can save your life.

However, there are boaters who still think they are only for children, weak swimmers, or people who are boating or swimming in dangerous waters. 

Our last boating tip for 2026 is: know the facts about life jackets. 

Here are a few situations that can bring up confusion:

The strong swimmer

“I’m a strong swimmer; I don’t need to wear it.” Wrong.

The reality: Even in summer, falling in the water can trigger cold water shock and make you unable to swim. Hazards like rough water and floating objects can also get in the way. If you are injured or unconscious, you may be unable to keep yourself afloat.

Waiting for trouble

“I’ll just put it on if there’s an emergency.” Bad idea.

Most boating accidents, including capsizing and collisions, happen fast and without warning. You cannot put on a life jacket while you are already in the water or unconscious.

• Drowning is fast and silent, often taking only 20 to 60 seconds for an adult to submerge and succumb.
• Cold water shock (which can happen even in warm water) causes involuntary gasping, panic, and inhalation of water, and occurs within the first 3 to 5 minutes of falling overboard. It can quickly lead to hypothermia.

You have to wear your life jacket at all times to be protected.

Choosing comfort over safety

“Lifejackets are bulky and uncomfortable.” Sometimes, but not always.

Some inflatable PFDs are available as slim vests or even waist-belts that are virtually unnoticeable until they are needed. However, keep in mind that they are not USCG-approved for all activities.

Always wear the right type of USGC-approved life jacket. 

A false sense of safety

“If the boat is big enough, I’m safe without one.” Not true.

Recent Coast Guard data shows that roughly 87% of drowning victims involved in boating accidents in the U.S. were not wearing a lifejacket. Boat size is irrelevant, as there are many reasons for why a person can fall overboard.

Get your state-specific boating certification from Drive a Boat USA

Boating safely is the key to having fun. Why not get prepared for compliant, secure boating with our NASBLA-approved boater safety course? You’ll get more than just tips; you’ll get the straight facts about navigation, equipment, and how your boat works.

You can complete the lessons at your own pace 100% online, from the comfort of your home. It’s the easiest way to get the right boating license for your specific state. Choose your location and sign up today!