Pillar Point Harbor Ocean Safety Fair Kicks Off National Boating and Beach Safety Week

As we approach National Safe Boating Week, we invite you to the Ocean Safety Fair on May 17th, 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay.

This event underscores the importance of ocean safety and reflects our commitment to community engagement and water safety. Join us for a day of education and awareness focused on ocean safety.

We encourage local businesses and organizations to participate in this collaborative effort.

The Safe Boating Campaign is a worldwide effort focused on responsible boating, encouraging boaters to always wear a life jacket while on the water. From U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 75% of all boating fatalities were caused by drowning. Of those, 87% were reported as not wearing their life jackets and two-thirds of all drowning victims considered themselves good swimmers.

The U.S. Lifesaving Service also sponsors a safety campaign focused on beach safety. The Beach Safety Week runs from May 26, 2025 through June 2, 2025. The objective of National Beach Safety Week is to make citizens aware of the need to be safe while in and near the water with special emphasis on the hazards associated with Rip Currents. This objective stresses the following:

• Swim Near a Lifeguard

• Learn to Swim

• Learn Rip Current Safety

• Never Swim Alone

• Designate a Water Watcher

• Alcohol and Water Don’t Mix

• Feet First Water Entry

• Life Jackets Save Lives

• Observe Signs & Flags

• Beat the Heat & Block the Sun

The fair would include representatives and involvement from the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, San Mateo Sheriff’s Office, Coastside Fire, expert waterman, the Arunay Foundation, food vendors, safety equipment vendors, etc.

2025 National Safe Boating Week Oers Tips for All Boaters; National Safe Boating Week Press Release – Safe Boating Campaign

National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 17th to 23rd, 2025, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-o of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness eort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

“We’re committed to teaching boaters that the best boating experience is a safe day on the water,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, a nonprot dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience for all boaters and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign. “This National Safe Boating Week, prepare for a great boating season by inspecting your boating safety gear and commit to providing comfortable life jackets for all your passengers to wear every time you go boating.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and ts properly.

“The best life jacket is the one you will wear,” said Phillips. “Whether you’re going shing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, make sure you’re prepared for the adventure by wearing a life jacket and knowing how to use required safety gear.”

The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

• Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.
• Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.
• Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board before you leave the dock.
• Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.
• Use an engine cut-o switch – it’s the law. An engine cut-o switch is a proven safety device to stop a powerboat engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.
• Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.
• Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating incidents in 2022 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.
• Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones, and always travel at a safe speed.
• Never boat under the inuence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.
• Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

The Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The campaign offers a variety of free and paid resources to support local boating safety education efforts. Learn more at www.safeboatingcampaign.com.

About the National Safe Boating Council

Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.