Boating in NJ ? National Safe Boating Week is May 17-23, 2025

As per the National Safe Boating Council, National Safe Boating Week ?is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.? Taking place the week before Memorial Day weekend, this campaign promotes safe boating practices, and encourages boaters (and anybody on the water) to brush up on their safety skills, know the rules, and be responsible on the water.

The National Safe Boating Council and Boat Safe US recommend the following for boaters:

• Take a boating safety course. In NJ, you are REQUIRED to take a NJ Boat Safety Course and carry a NJ Boat Safety Certificate. See our schedule and register at www.BoatSafeUS.com. Take the in-person class that includes the exam, or take the online course and join us for the proctored exam.
• Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition. See the NJSP checklist at www.nj.gov/njsp/marine-services/pdf/njsp-equipment-checklist.pdf
• Make a float plan. This is a document that details your trip's itinerary, including the vessel information, number of passengers, departure and return times, planned route, and contact information. https://www.boatsafeus.com/post/boating-safety-be-smart-and-file-a-float-plan
• Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket ? every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency. In New Jersey, every vessel is required to have a wearable personal floatation device (PFD), or life jacket, for each person on board. https://www.boatsafeus.com/post/nj-boating-safety-life-jackets-and-other-pfds
• Use an engine cut-off switch ? it?s the law. An engine cut-off switch is a proven safety device to stop a powerboat engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard. https://www.boatsafeus.com/post/boating-in-nj-safety-tips-know-before-you-go-boating-safety-tips-on-ecos-weather-speed-and-bui
• Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating incidents in 2022 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
• Know where you?re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones, and always travel at a safe speed.
• Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper. https://youtube.com/shorts/PuKCkxZ6iAk?si=V1UUSQ230osWTsRk
• Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency. https://www.boatsafeus.com/post/boating-in-nj-importance-of-communication-devices-on-the-water

See the sobering USCG statistics regarding boating at www.safeboatingcouncil.org/resources/recreational-boating-facts/

The National Safe Boating Week daily schedule is

• May 17: Always wear a life jacket
• May 18: Use an Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)
• May 19: File a float plan
• May 20: Never boat under the influence
• May 21: Prepare for the unexpected
• May 22: Take a safe boating course
• May 23: Always pay attention and maintain full visibility

Read the official press release: National Safe Boating Week Press Release - Safe Boating Campaign

Bottom Line: A safe boater is a live boater.

See our Boat Safe US Blog for more safety tips and information: Captain's Blog | Boat Safe Us LLC

Start the Boating season off right, take you NJ Boat Safety Course now. See our schedule and register at www.BoatSafeUS.com

Take the class and be on the water the same day! At the end of the class, you'll take a multiple-choice test. We'll grade it right there, and when you pass, you'll leave with a temporary boating safety certificate, and receive your NJSP issued card in the mail.

Boat Safe US instructors are certified and approved to instruct by the NJ State Police Marine Division.

Boat Safe US Courses are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Upcoming NJ Boat Safety Classes and Exams, May 17 through May 31 in:

Atlantic Highlands, Bayville, Beach Haven, Brick, Clifton, Freehold, Hillsborough, Keyport, Lawrence Township, Mahwah, Manville, Monmouth Beach, Mount Laurel, Mt. Arlington, Parsippany, Point Pleasant Beach, Scotch Plains, Sewell, Somers Point, Toms River, Waretown, Warren, and Woodbridge

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