May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about boating and swimming safety. According to the American Red Cross, about 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year, which is an average of 11 deaths per day. During 2023, the American Coast Guard reported 3,844 boating accidents that resulted in 564 deaths and 2,126 injuries.
National Water Safety Month aims to educate people about the importance of safe swimming and boating through tips and resources.
The U.S. Coast Guard observes National Boating Safety Week this year from May 17-23, starting the weekend before Memorial Day, to encourage safe boating habits. Their campaign shares the importance of habits like wearing a life jacket, getting a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard and being aware of weather conditions before leaving the shore. For more information, visit safeboatingcampaign.com