Many Michiganders and visitors will unofficially launch the boating season this holiday weekend. Whether you’re a boater, angler or other water sports enthusiast, safety and common sense in and around the water are a must.

The DNR is proud to promote National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, and safe boating practices all year long. Where the cause of death was known, U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause in 75 percent of recreational boating fatalities in 2023, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Before leaving shore, consider these boating safety tips:

Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Situations on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.

boater safety course. In Michigan, boater safety certificates are needed by anyone born after June 30, 1996, operating a motorized boat, or anyone born after Dec. 31, 1978, operating a personal watercraft – like a Jet Ski. Most states require a boater safety certificate for boat or personal watercraft rentals.

Make sure your boat is in good working condition and prepared with the necessary equipment.

File a float plan with someone you trust. Include details about the trip, boat, others on board, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment and emergency contacts.

Check the weather, including the water temperature, and monitor changing conditions.

Boat sober. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as a leading factor in boating-related deaths.

Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it. Install and maintain a working CO detector, never block exhaust outlets, and always dock, beach or anchor at least 20 feet away from any boat running a generator or engine.

Keep in touch. Communication devices, such as marine radios, can be your most important piece of emergency equipment.

Visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety for information on earning your boating, hunting, snowmobile or off-road vehicle safety certificate.