Reno, NV: The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is joining boating safety advocates across the U.S. and Canada to promote safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week, May 17–23—and throughout the summer season.
“This year looks like it will be a great one for boating in Nevada,” said Game Warden Captain Buck Tingle, Boating Law Administrator for NDOW. “We want everyone to get out and enjoy all Nevada has to offer, but we also want you and your family to return home safely. The best way to do that is by taking a boating education course and wearing a life jacket.”
According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, drowning was the cause of death in 80% of recreational boating fatalities in 2023, and 87% of those victims were not wearing life jackets.
National Safe Boating Week marks the official launch of the 2025 National Safe Boating Campaign, which promotes the importance of life jacket use through the national theme: Wear It!
“Our number one priority is to get more people to wear their life jacket,” said Capt. Tingle. “People often think of life jackets as bulky or uncomfortable, but they’ve come a long way. Today’s life jackets are stylish, comfortable—and most importantly, they save lives.”
NDOW also reminds everyone to boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. It affects your vision, balance and decision making; everything vital to operating a boat safely.