As boating season returns to harbors, lakes, and marinas across the country, the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is once again launching its annual Safe Boating Campaign. Anchored by National Safe Boating Week, running May 17–23, 2025, the campaign is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of responsible boating practices, with a special emphasis on the lifesaving habit of wearing a life jacket. This year, PredictWind founder and veteran sailor Jon Bilger joins the conversation to share insight on how boaters can make the most of National Safe Boating Week—not just now, but every week of the year.
Founded in 1958, the NSBC has long served as a leading voice in promoting recreational boating safety. Through education, outreach, and professional training programs, the organization works to develop a culture of safe, responsible, and secure boating. The Safe Boating Campaign, supported by the U.S. Coast Guard and funded through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, is one of the NSBC’s largest outreach efforts and remains a cornerstone of their year-round work.
At the heart of this international campaign is a simple, clear message: always wear a life jacket. Whether you’re heading out for a day of fishing, paddling, or cruising along the coast, a properly fitted life jacket is the single most important piece of safety gear on board. It’s also the one most likely to be neglected.
“It’s tempting to not wear a life jacket, especially on warm, sunny days,” notes the Safe Boating Campaign. “You may want to soak up the sun, or you might believe you’re a strong swimmer. But accidents happen quickly and without warning. Wearing a life jacket isn’t just a precaution — it’s a necessity.”
Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard consistently show that the majority of fatal boating accidents involve drowning, and in most of those cases, the victim was not wearing a life jacket. The Safe Boating Campaign encourages boaters to make wearing one a habit, not an afterthought.
Throughout the week and beyond, boating safety advocates will take part in local events, social media campaigns, and community outreach, distributing free educational materials and emphasizing critical boating safety practices. Resources provided by the NSBC include multilingual safety posters, infographics, videos, and training kits that help both new and experienced boaters understand the basics of safe operation.
The campaign also calls on the entire boating community — from local marinas and yacht clubs to manufacturers and retailers — to play a part in spreading the message. As recreational boating continues to grow in popularity, especially in coastal states like California, maintaining a strong safety culture is more important than ever.
Boaters are also reminded that safety goes beyond just life jackets. Pre-departure checklists, float plans, VHF radios, and onboard safety gear should all be part of a routine, not a backup plan. National Safe Boating Week offers a timely reminder to check your equipment, know your local regulations, and review emergency procedures before heading out.
National Safe Boating Week is a reminder that being safe on the water means more than just wearing a life jacket—it’s also about knowing how to read and respond to the weather. Jon Bilger, founder of PredictWind and a strong advocate for boating safety, emphasizes the importance of making weather forecasting a central part of trip planning and decision-making. “As we head into the main boating season, prioritizing safety is key for everyone on the water,” said Bilger. “Proactive preparation, including checking your vessel and safety equipment, sharing your plans, and making weather forecasting a central part of your journey, will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience.”
Bilger warns that one of the most common mistakes boaters make is relying on outdated forecasts or assuming fair conditions will hold. “Don’t be fooled by blue skies ahead,” he explained. “It’s dangerous to assume that current calm conditions will last. The key is to be vigilant, use all available resources, and always err on the side of caution by adjusting your plans based on evolving weather information.” Bilger pointed to tools like PredictWind’s Extreme Weather Alerts as an example of how technology can support safe boating practices by providing real-time mobile warnings of approaching hazards, allowing boaters to respond quickly as conditions change.
As a seasoned offshore sailor, Bilger also shared the tech he considers essential: “A reliable satellite communication system for updated forecasts, a high-quality GPS and navigation system, and a well-maintained EPIRB are non-negotiables,” he said. He also keeps redundancy in mind by carrying a handheld GPS, paper charts, and a handbearing compass. “While Starlink can offer high-speed internet, I rely on Iridium GO! or GO! Exec for essential voice calling in emergencies—it’s a crucial backup,” he added.
From checking steering components to setting up weather alerts, Bilger’s message is clear: being weather-aware is one of the smartest—and safest—habits any boater can develop.
“Make safety your priority this boating season,” said Bilger. “Use National Safe Boating Week as a reminder to prepare thoroughly and utilize resources…to stay informed and navigate confidently. Here’s to a safe and enjoyable time on the water!”
For those looking to get involved or access free safety resources, more information is available at safeboatingcampaign.com and safeboatingcouncil.org.
As the summer season gets underway, the National Safe Boating Council wants to ensure that everyone — from seasoned sailors to weekend paddlers — can enjoy the water safely and return home without incident. As they say: wear it, every ride, every time.
