Boating Safety

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Boating Safety

The primary mission of the Boating Division is Boating Safety. Although there are inherent risks in virtually any sport, a well-educated boater who uses common sense and courtesy on the water contributes to everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

The major cause of boating accidents is collisions with other boats or objects. The sober boater who keeps a good lookout and knows the Rules of the Road is unlikely to be involved in a collision.

The major cause of boating fatalities is drowning. Seventy-five percent of those who drown are not wearing life jackets also known as Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). The watchwords are, "A LIFE JACKET FLOATS! YOU DON’T! WEAR IT!" (PFDs)

Carbon monoxide poisoning has recently been identified as a major danger for boaters. It is important to understand it and avoid it. (Teak Surfing and Carbon Monoxide)

Since 9-11 other safety issues have come to the fore. There are new laws which concern the proximity of pleasure boats to various large vessels, bridges, and shore facilities. The government is also asking pleasure boaters to assist in Homeland Security by observing and reporting certain activities. (Homeland Security)

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats – SAFELY! (With apologies to Kenneth Grahame.)