05/18/2026
Safe Boating Awareness Week is here — and for Search and Rescue teams, water-related calls are all too common.
As warmer weather brings more people onto our lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, preparation can make all the difference. Cold water, changing weather, mechanical issues, and remote locations can quickly turn a day on the water into an emergency.
Every year, Search and Rescue teams respond to boaters who are overdue, stranded, injured, experiencing mechanical problems, or unexpectedly in the water—many of these incidents are preventable with proper planning.
Before leaving shore:
✔️ Wear your lifejacket
✔️ Check weather, tides, and water conditions
✔️ File a trip plan and tell someone where you're going
✔️ Carry communication devices and emergency essentials
✔️ Ensure your vessel is fueled, maintained, and ready
If you run into trouble on the water, call 9-1-1 immediately. Calling early allows emergency responders and Search and Rescue teams to get resources moving quickly when every minute matters.
A few minutes of preparation can prevent hours of searching.