Wearing a Life Jacket is Still the Most Important Step
Boaters Can Take to Ensure Their Safety on the Water

Boating fatalities jumped 12.8 percent in 2011 and are now at the highest level since 1998, according to the U.S. Coast Guard's just released report 2011 Recreational Boating Statistics.

Last year, 533 of the 758 boating fatalities resulted from drowning, with 84 percent of the drowning victims not reported as wearing a life jacket. The Coast Guard is urging recreational boaters to make sure everyone on board wears their life jacket at all times on the water.

Get NOAA's Nautical Charting Calendar for September 2012

On the water, safety is priority number one. As part of their preparations, boaters need to make sure that they have the latest NOAA nautical charting calendar on hand to avoid groundings or accidents while navigating along the coast. With modern technological advancements, obtaining the latest charting calendar is easier and more important than ever.

USCG Discusses Water Safety on NPR's Coastal Connection

The USCG Office of Boating Safety’s William Vann Burgess discusses the importance of boating responsibly on NPR’s ‘Coastal Connection’ with Bryan Russo. Mr. Burgess also discusses current boating accident statistics and what can be done to prevent future incidents on the water. Click article title to listen to the full interview.

FY2012 State Grant Financial Agreement Available

RECALL NOTICE ON MD2010 & MD2012 model 22LB Inflatable Personal Flotation Device

The United States Coast Guard strongly urges mariners and boaters alike to check their Mustang Survival PFDs. Mustang Survival is voluntarily recalling all model number MD2010 and MD2012 inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) sold in the United States during 2011. Please review the attachment for important information.

ATTENTION: Owners of Orion XLT and 12-Guage Signals Notification of Product Replacement Program for certain Un-expired VDS

Recently, Orion has received notice of repeated product failures (signals failing to launch and/or ignite) related to these older XLTs and 12 gauge shells utilizing the orange ABS plastic. Download the Notification of Product Replacement Program for certain Un-Expired VDS.