Press Releases
05/15/2025
DEEP Celebrates National Safe Boating Week
Agency Encourages Boaters to Safely Enjoy Connecticut’s Waterways This Season
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) joins partners across the country to remind boaters of the importance of safe and responsible boating during National Safe Boating Week. The seven-day campaign will occur May 17 to May 23, the week preceding Memorial Day weekend, which is the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season in Connecticut.
During the week, DEEP will share messages across its social media platforms on a variety of boating safety topics with a goal of reducing the number of boating accidents and fatalities. Boaters should also keep an eye out for Prudence, DEEP’s boating safety outreach vessel, which will be launched on both inland and coastal waters during National Safe Boating Week to share boating safety information in-person with boaters on the water.
“Too often, we find that simple safety precautions could have avoided tragedy on the water,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “We encourage all boaters, whether new or experienced, to take to heart the boating safety information shared this week so all boaters can enjoy the water and get home safely.”
DEEP offers the following advice during National Safe Boating Week:
Always Wear a Life Jacket. Statistics show that most boating fatalities could be avoided by wearing a life jacket. DEEP recommends that all operators and passengers always wear a life jacket, no matter one’s boating or swimming ability.
Check Your Safety Equipment. Before heading onto the water, boaters should inspect all safety equipment and replace anything that’s damaged or expired.
Check Fire Extinguishers and Fuel Systems. Fires on boats are generally a springtime occurrence and with a little vigilance such occurrences can be prevented.
Avoid Alcohol. Alcohol and boating just don’t mix. The sun, wind, noise, boat vibration, and motion can intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs which can quickly impair coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Boating under the influence is not just dangerous, it’s illegal!
Get a Vessel Safety Check. Starting Memorial Day Weekend and throughout the summer, DEEP seasonal employees will be deployed at many State boat launches to provide a vessel safety check free of charge.
Check the Weather. Boaters should consider the weather forecast when planning a trip and always keep an eye out for weather changes while on the water.
For more information on legal requirements and safety information, please review the 2025 DEEP Boater’s Guide. Informed boaters are safe boaters, so stay in touch with DEEP’s boating safety messaging by following DEEP on Facebook (@BoatingInConnecticut), Instagram (@ctdeep_boating), and X (@CTBoatingInfo). The best day on the water includes everyone getting home safely.
To learn more boating safety in Connecticut, visit the DEEP Boating Division website at https://portal.ct.gov/deep/boating/boating-and-paddling or email DEEP.Boating@ct.gov.
Prudence, DEEP’s boating safety outreach vessel, will be launched on both inland and coastal waters during National Safe Boating Week to share boating safety information in-person with boaters on the water. Credit: CT DEEP
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110