CLEVELAND, Ohio — On the eve of National Safe Boating Week, starting May 26, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard is calling on millions of Americans gearing up to hit the lakes, rivers, and oceans: the thrill of water adventures is not worth life. In 2023, nearly 4,000 boating accidents and 564 deaths served as a tragic reminder of the cost of safety. As summer approaches, when waters from the Great Lakes to Chesapeake Bay come alive with roaring motors and splashing oars, the Coast Guard urges vigilance, responsibility, and most importantly, one simple rule: always wear your life jacket.
Deadly statistics and lessons from the past
Coast Guard data for 2023 paint a grim picture: 75% of boating fatalities are related to drowning, and in 87% of these tragedies, victims were not wearing life jackets. Alcohol remains a major factor in fatal accidents, turning carefree outings into disasters. "These are not just numbers," says Lieutenant Commander Steven Homshar, whose voice sounds with unwavering resolve during a briefing at the Coast Guard headquarters in Cleveland. "They are families who have lost loved ones due to mistakes that could have been avoided."
Although the number of injuries and deaths on the water is decreasing, the problem remains urgent, especially in summer when lakes are crowded with boaters—from experienced captains to first-time skippers. The Great Lakes, particularly Erie and Michigan, are among the most dangerous due to cold waters even in warm weather and sudden storms. "You fall overboard, and the cold water takes your heat faster than you think," warns Homshar. "Without a life jacket, you almost have no chance."
Simple rules that save lives
The Coast Guard emphasizes: safety begins with preparation. Their recommendations serve as a mantra for those who want to return to shore unharmed. First, always wear your life jacket—not just having it on board, but putting it on. "If we see you without a life jacket, you won’t be swimming," declares Homshar, adding that fines for violations are the least of your worries.
Other tips include planning your trip and informing someone ashore of your route and return time. "If something goes wrong, we need to know where to look," explains Homshar. Boaters should also check equipment—from engines to fire extinguishers—and use engine cut-offs to prevent uncontrolled movement if they fall overboard. Also, maintaining a safe speed and avoiding alcohol are crucial. "Drunk at the helm is just as dangerous as drunk behind the wheel," stresses the officer.
Challenges and realities of waterways
According to insider information, this year the Coast Guard is increasing patrols on key waterways, including Lake Erie, where in summer 2024 there was a spike in accidents due to overcrowding and negligence. In a region where boating is not just recreation but part of the culture—from Sandusky to Put-in-Bay—adherence to rules is often seen as optional. "People think it won’t happen to them," a Coast Guard source says. "But just one gust of wind or a faulty motor, and you're in trouble."
Climate change adds to the difficulties. Meteorologists warn that warmer temperatures and unpredictable weather phenomena like sudden thunderstorms make waterways more dangerous. In 2023, several fatal accidents on Lake Michigan occurred during storms that even experienced captains did not foresee. "Nature does not forgive mistakes," notes Homshar, urging boaters to monitor weather forecasts and carry radios for emergency alerts.
Communities prepare for a safe summer
National Boating Safety Week, coinciding with the start of the summer season, is not only a reminder but a call to action. In cities along the Great Lakes, such as Cleveland and Toledo, the Coast Guard hosts seminars teaching proper use of life jackets and safety basics. Local yacht clubs and equipment stores distribute free brochures and offer discounts on life jackets, hoping to change safety culture.
But for many families who lost loved ones to water accidents, these efforts are painfully late reminders. "My brother drowned because he didn’t have a life jacket," shares Sarah Martinez from Avon, whose family now holds annual memorial events on Lake Erie. "I want people to understand: this is no joke." Her story is just one of thousands behind the Coast Guard’s statistics.
Looking to the future: Safety as a choice
As America prepares for summer 2025, the Coast Guard urges every boater to make a choice in favor of safety. "It’s not about limiting your freedom," says Homshar, his eyes shining with conviction. "It’s about coming home to those who love you." From bustling docks to quiet coves, from fishing boats to luxury yachts, the message is the same: respect the water, and it will return the favor.
National Safe Boating Week is not just a week but the beginning of a season where every outing tests responsibility. In a country where freedom on the waves is part of the national spirit, the Coast Guard reminds: true freedom is returning home safe and sound. As lakes and rivers call, the choice is ours: life jacket, vigilance, and common sense—or risk that no one has the right to underestimate.
