Press Releases
05/14/2026
DEEP Celebrates National Safe Boating Week May 16-22
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 16 to May 22, 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 raising boating safety awareness and reducing the number of boating accidents and fatalities. Since 2018, 45 people have lost their lives in recreational boating incidents on Connecticut waters. Additional boating-related statistics can be found on the DEEP Boating Dashboard.
“Connecticut is home to some incredible boating opportunities, from the open waters of Long Island Sound to our scenic rivers and beautiful inland lakes,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Our goal is to empower everyone to enjoy Connecticut’s natural resources safely and responsibly, so every day on the water remains a fun, memorable, and safe experience for all.”
“Time and again, we see that simple safety precautions could have prevented serious incidents on the water,” said DEEP Boating Division Director Pete Francis. “We strongly encourage all boaters, regardless of experience level, to carefully review and apply the safety information shared this week to ensure safe and enjoyable outings.”
National Safe Boating Week is also a great opportunity to highlight the following new laws related to boating safety.
- A new law regarding boating under the influence (BUI) went into effect on October 1, 2025. Connecticut lawmakers closed a longstanding public safety gap by passing legislation that imposes reciprocal suspension penalties for impaired operation on both roads and waterways. This means that any driving under the influence (DUI) or BUI operator’s suspension now affects both your driver’s license and boating certificate. This reciprocal suspension arrangement ultimately means more serious penalties for those who drink while boating.
- The State Legislature just passed a bipartisan bill related to boating safety. Upon signature by the Governor, the bill will accomplish the following:
- Prevent sitting or standing on gunwale with one or both legs hanging over the outside of a recreational motorboat while traveling at greater than slow-no-wake speeds.
- Requires Personal Watercraft (PWC) owners to verify an individual has a PWC Certificate before allowing them to operate their PWC.
- Requires owners of paddle craft or other non-registered boats to write or attach their contact information to their canoe, kayak or SUP. This allows emergency personnel to quicky verify status of the owner when conducting search and rescue operations in response to paddle craft that are found adrift.
In addition to regularly scheduled on-water patrols on inland and marine waters, DEEP Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police will work with the Boating Division to educate boaters about the new BUI-DUI reciprocity law. EnCon also will conduct a targeted on-water BUI enforcement campaign on the waters of Candlewood Lake during National Safe Boating Week.
“Candlewood Lake is one of Connecticut’s most heavily used recreational waterways,” said Candlewood Lake Authority Executive Director Mark Howarth. “Ensure that you have the required safe boating certificate and that your vessel has all the required safety gear before heading out on the lake. When on the water, maintain safe speeds for the conditions, observe all no-wake zones, and don't combine boating with alcohol or drugs. In addition to following the laws on the water, boating courtesy plays a key role in ensuring that everyone can safely enjoy a day on the lake. Be respectful of your fellow boaters, understand that you are responsible for your wake, and be mindful of how easily music and noise travel over water.”
Additionally, EnCon will conduct directed water-based patrols on the lower Connecticut River focused on wake zone violations. EnCon Police also will continue heightened enforcement of BUI during Operation Dry Water around the Independence Day Weekend with increased patrols, vessel stops, and BUI detection efforts.
DEEP offers the following advice during National Safe Boating Week, and throughout the boating season:
Always Wear a Life Jacket. Statistics show that most boating fatalities could have been 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!
File a Float Plan. Let someone know where you are going boating and when you are expected to return. A float plan ensures that someone on shore knows your plan and can alert authorities if you’re overdue.
Get a Vessel Safety Check. Starting Memorial Day Weekend and throughout the summer, DEEP seasonal employees will be deployed at many State boat launches and can provide a vessel safety check free of charge.
Check the Weather. Boaters should consider the 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 2026 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 or email DEEP.Boating@ct.gov.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110