BOATsmart!

36% of boating-related fatalities involve alcohol. Save the beer for the pier, and remember that drinking and boating never mix!

(Source: Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada)

Learn more: https://www.boatsmartexam.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/03/Say-No-To-Drinking-And-Boating.jpg

Want your kids to love boating as much as you do? Make it fun and exciting for them by introducing them to fishing, swimming, paddling, and watersports. Just make sure everyone wears a life jacket!

If you've ever been boating in Florida, chances are you've come close to a manatee. These large marine mammals are a threatened species and live near the surface, so it's important to follow these tips to avoid collisions:

Marine Environemtn: Protecting Florida's Manatees | BOATsmart! Blog Everything you need to know about protecitng Florida's manatees. Including how to avoid a collision with a manatee and collision reporting.

Littering is never okay. Not only does it pollute the water and harm marine life, but it can also damage your boat. On top of all that, it's against the law. Please remember to dispose of your trash responsibly!

Want to take your furry friends out on the water? We've got some tips!

1.) Give your pet time to adjust to the new sights, sounds, and unbalanced footing.
2.) Train them to obey safety commands like "sit" and "stay."
3.) Invest in a pet lifejacket.
4.) Avoid dehydration and overheating!

Do you take your pooch along when you hit the water?

Happy Fourth of July week, everyone! We hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and remember to take a moment to appreciate our beautiful country and its independence. And whatever you do, remember to wear your life jacket if you hit the water!

Anyone curious where the term "Mayday" came from? The roots of this term come from French, where "m'aider" translates to ""help me."

Sailors facing danger and others at risk on the high seas started using the French term, but there were nuances in language that meant a universally understood signal was the best choice. Because of that, "m'aider" became "mayday" and was adopted as the standard signal for distress in 1927.

Just a friendly reminder that no matter how strong a swimmer you are, you still need to wear a life jacket when you're on the water. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 85% of the boaters who drowned in 2022 were not wearing one. Please be safe, be smart, and have fun on the water.

Looking for a Father's Day activity Dad will love? You can't go wrong with a surprise fishing trip or picnic on the water (maybe even a wakeboarding adventure if Dad is a thrill seeker). Whatever you do, please wear your life jacket!

Whether you're in the U.S. or Canada, make sure you know your state or province's boating laws. Most places require boaters to carry proof of boater safety education. Need a boating license? We can help! https://www.boatsmartexam.com/

Today, we remember all the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect our great country and its freedom. Please take a moment today to honor the ones we've lost.

It's officially , and we'd like to remind you all to please wear a life jacket at all times when out on the water!

Boating season is upon us. Are you planning on getting behind the wheel? Learn your state's boater safety education requirements get and get certified with BOATsmart today!

It's almost Mother's Day, and every mom on the planet has uttered the words, "Wear your seatbelt!" Why should life jackets be any different? Give mom some peace of mind, and always wear a life jacket when you're on the water.

Cinco de Mayo is almost here, and we wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't remind you that boating and alcohol NEVER mix. Always have a designated sober driver behind the wheel; The life it saves could be your own.

A perfect day of boating starts with proper safety habits. Before you go on the water, take a few minutes to review these 10 critical safety tips!

1. Let someone know before you go
2. Share your knowledge about safe boating
3. Don't skip a pre-launch checklist
4. Keep an eye out for wildlife
5. Stay alert
6. Maintain safety for all ages
7. Everyone wears a life jacket
8. Learn how to stay safe when boating at night
9. Be prepared for a fire
10. Carry the right equipment and tools

Boater cards get lost or damaged sometimes. Luckily, replacing them is a breeze! Just click this link, follow the steps, and get your new card in no time. Yep, that easy.

https://www.boatsmartexam.com/knowledge-base/frequently-asked-questions/

Happy Eclipse Day! We want to know where you'll be watching from – and don't forget to post your best eclipse photos in the comments!

Hi friends! It's been a while, but we're back to bringing you our best tips and tricks to enjoy a safe and fun day on the water.

Did you know that January of 2022 brings in new age requirements for obtaining a boating safety certificate in the state of New York? In accordance with Brianna's Law, the age requirements are as follows:

✅ Persons born after January 1, 1993, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2020

✅ Persons born after January 1, 1988, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2022

✅ Persons born after January 1, 1983, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2023

✅ Persons born after January 1, 1978, will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2024

✅ Persons of all ages will be required to obtain a New York Boater Safety Education Certificate as of January 2025

Check out all the regulations before taking your boat out on NY waters - https://bit.ly/3G92aWQ

Need a last minute stocking stuffer? Why not ready your crew with a BOATsmart! course!

Pick up yours for 50% off with our Happy Hullidays special! https://bit.ly/3GQJzin

The hullidays are here again! Check out our top 10 gifts for the boater on your list!
https://bit.ly/3p4ugwz

Protecting our marine environment is so important! This is great news for the future of zero-emission marine products!
https://bit.ly/3FRAk11

GM acquires 25% stake in Pure Watercraft to accelerate all-electric boating The two companies will develop and commercialize battery electric watercraft.

Dreaming of great boating? Us too! Where better to explore than the Sunshine State? From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and everywhere in between, Florida has some of our favorite spots for aquatic adventures! Check out our top 5 faves here
👉https://bit.ly/321l2br

301 Moved Permanently

Looking for your next great boating adventure? How about testing the waters of Lake Okeechobee! We’re sharing our guide to all you need to know about boating on the Big O! https://bit.ly/2Y8UIKM

📷: Coastal Angler Magazine

Fall is a great time to inspect your life jackets and PFDs.

Lifejackets found in a physical state of disrepair will not be considered a functional life jacket by inspecting officers. If they are ripped or broken in any way, it's time to replace them before next season!

Fall leaves and cooler temperatures mean the end of boating season (for many). There are many important steps you need to take to ensure your boat is properly winterized before storing it to avoid costly repairs in the string. Our How-to guide for the DIYers is a great place to start! https://bit.ly/2YFMkCV