Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Clear Your Cache

Health.mil has undergone a recent update. For the best user experience we recommend clearing your browser cache.

Plan your Float: Boating Safety Tips from the Coast Guard

Image of Military personnel conducting boating safety patrols. Personnel from Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor conduct boating safety patrols off of Chicago's waterfront (Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard District 9).

Plenty of people are out on the water this summer, with record heat bearing down. For those operating boats - whether you're new to boating or experienced, out on the ocean, in lakes, or on rivers - there are some basic safety tips to keep in mind.

A "Float Plan" is the first thing recommended by Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist 3rd Class Gregory Schell, at the District 9 Great Lakes Region in Cleveland, Ohio.

"We encourage all recreational boaters to file a Float Plan, a form that's left with a trusted source on shore," Schell said. "It has identifying information - your departure time, your destination, return time, description of the vessel. In case you're overdue, all that information can be sent to the rescue agency and really jump-start the search and rescue process."

On the Water

Don't drink and boat. Alcohol is the leading known factor in fatal boating accidents. USCG and local law enforcement officials keep sharp eyes out for those tipping a beer or driving erratically while out on the water. If your blood alcohol level is at .08 or higher, you'll be arrested, lose your license, a lot of money, and maybe your rank.

Wear a life jacket. The Coast Guard recommends everyone onboard wear one at all times, just like a car safety belt. And by law, on an underway vessel, kids under 13 must wear an appropriate USCG-approved wearable life jacket.

Check out the USCG's official boating safety web site.

Military personnel checking on-board safety equipment
A Coast Guard boatswain's mate stationed in Honolulu informs mariners that he and his boarding team will conduct a safety check off the coast of Waianae, Oahu in February 2012. Boarding team members conduct recreational boating safety checks looking for compliance with recreational safety regulations. Team members check credentials, on-board safety equipment such as flares and fire extinguishers, and life jackets (Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard District 14).

Your Safety Checklist

  • Leave a Float Plan ashore with a trusted source.
  • Take a boating safety course.
  • Request a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
  • Do not drink and boat.
  • Wear a life jacket.
  • Wear sunscreen and frequently reapply.
  • Hydrate: always carry plenty of clean, cool water.
  • Download the USCG Boating Safety app for both veteran and inexperienced boaters.
  • Be prepared and responsible: Check and consistently re-check weather forecasts, as it can change quickly on water. Review nautical charts - know where navigation markers are, be aware of areas of shallow water and areas that are congested with other boats and swimmers.
  • Find a paddling safety course for kids, and other public education classes, via the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Just type in your zip code here.
  • Be attentive. Operator inexperience and inattention are other leading contributors to boating accidents.
  • Bring extra life jackets. Federal law says there must be one life jacket for everyone onboard.
  • Be aware of other boaters. Just because you can see them doesn't mean they see you.
  • Carry flares and fire extinguishers, and make sure they are operational before getting underway.

You also may be interested in...

Fact Sheet
Jan 9, 2024

Hearing Protector Fit-Testing Requirement in the Department of Defense

.PDF | 331.11 KB

Significant updates to the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6055.12 “Hearing Conservation Program” are expected to be published in April 2023. The significant change is a new requirement for initial hearing protector fit-testing to be conducted for all DOD personnel who have documented noise exposure greater than or equal to 95 dBA 8-hour time ...

Article
Dec 28, 2023

Making Feats for the Feet with Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Podiatrist

U.S. Navy Lt. Edee Renier, staff podiatrist assigned to Naval Hospital Bremerton’s  Orthopedic department shares her expertise in handling foot and ankle specific medical conditions, such as ankle sprains, strains, and fractures.  (Photo by Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton public affairs officer)

When it comes to healing heels, such feats for the feet are the specialty of Naval Hospital Bremerton’s foot doctor. U.S. Navy Lt. Edee Renier, staff podiatrist assigned to NHB’s Orthopedic department, is helping U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel keep operational ready and able to stand on their own two feet.

Article
Oct 4, 2023

Stemming the Tide: Navy Medicine and the Egyptian Cholera Epidemic of 1947

Over three months, cholera spread across 2,270 towns and villages in Egypt killing over half of its victims. According to one estimate over 20,000 Egyptians died of cholera. (Graphic by Andre Sobocinski)

On September 21, 1947, a man was admitted to the Al-Qurayn (El Korein) Hospital in Egypt vomiting profusely and suffering severe diarrhea. Within hours, he was dead. The attending physician on duty first suspected food poisoning before 11 additional patients were admitted with identical symptoms. Their diagnosis was cholera, a deadly bacterial disease ...

Article
Sep 29, 2023

Real Life Falls Are Not a Laughing Matter: Protect your Body, Ego

Each year thousands of military personnel injure themselves because of falls from vehicles and equipment, tripping over objects, and slipping on hazardous surfaces like ice, snow, or water. Injuries include lacerations requiring stitches, concussions or head injury, sprained ankles, wrists or hands, and broken bones. These often require ER visits and can result in temporary disability and lost duty time for many days or even months. (Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen graphic illustration by Joyce Kopatch)

Cartoons typically portray slips or falls as comical accidents. But falls are no laughing matter. Falls often cause injuries that require emergency room visits for injuries such as lacerations requiring stitches, concussions or head injury, sprained ankles, wrists or hands, or broken bones. Learn how to prevent fall-related injuries.

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery