National Safe Boating Week is May 16–22, 2026! Safety can be simple, and summer is almost here.

Every May, right before Memorial Day weekend turns Texas lakes into a beautiful, chaotic maze of pontoons and jet skis, the National Safe Boating Council runs its annual safety wake-up call, and this year, it’s May 16–22. I look forward to it annually as a reminder of why we love the water, and of what it asks in return.

The Stat YOU should remember

In 2024, 556 people died in recreational boating accidents in the U.S. — the fewest in over 50 years of Coast Guard record-keeping, which is good news. Here’s the part that isn’t: 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. Not in rough water, or far offshore — just not wearing one. Four out of five deaths also happened on boats under 21 feet, such as open motorboats and kayaks.

Alcohol was the leading known cause in 20% of fatal accidents. Operator inattention and not keeping a proper lookout were the top two causes of incidents overall. In other words: most of this was preventable.

Five Things to Do This Week

1.  Put on the life jacket. Not stow it, wear it. Modern inflatable PFDs are slim, comfortable, and nothing like the orange foam brick of the past. Regarldless, there should be no excuse.

2.  File a float plan. Text someone your destination, your route, who is aboard, and when will return. Takes 90 seconds, and could save lives.

3.  Designate a sober skipper. Boating under the influence is a federal offense and the leading known killer.

4.  Rig your engine cut-off switch. It’s the law for most vessels under 26 feet, and it works.

5.  Get a free vessel safety check. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will inspect your gear at no charge.

A Brief Legal Note (I’ll Keep It Short)

When accidents happen, the legal questions always trace back to the same fundamentals: Was the safety gear present? Was anyone drinking? Was the operator paying attention? Texas and federal law both require specific equipment on registered vessels, and failure to comply shapes every negligence and liability analysis that follows. Prevention is cheaper, faster, and infinitely less difficult than litigation.

Now Go Have Fun!

Now go enjoy it — just check the gear, wear the jacket, and file the plan. The goal is simple: everybody comes home.

We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers, and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys — and sailors ourselves — located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.

SOURCES

U.S. Coast Guard, Recreational Boating Statistics 2024 (released June 2025) — uscgboating.org

National Safe Boating Council / Safe Boating Campaign, 2026 NSBW Press Release — safeboatingcampaign.com

National Safe Boating Council, Recreational Boating Facts (2024 data) — safeboatingcouncil.org

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas Boating Incidents Statistics 2024 — tpwd.texas.gov

NOAA / National Weather Service, Safe Boating Week Partnership — weather.gov

33 CFR Part 175, Recreational Vessel Equipment Regulations

The information in this post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions specific to your maritime law issue, please contact us at 713-955-3699 or Charles.Herd@HerdLawFirm.com.