Safe Boating

Whether you are a first-time boater or if you just want to pick up some new tips, the information, resources and links in this Safe Boating section will help make your boating activities safe and enjoyable.

   1. Water skiing and Wake Boarding Safety
   2. Life Jackets
   3. 5 M.P.H. Zones
   4. Emergency Phone Numbers
   5. Safe Boating Courses
   6. First Aid
   7. Carbon Monoxide
   8. Abandoned Vessels

"The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta offers boaters more than 700 miles of navigable waterway. It offers unique boating opportunities that are hard to duplicate elsewhere in our beautiful state. With this opportunity comes a great deal of responsibility. First and foremost is to boat safely by learning the rules and regulations, minimizing alcohol consumption, wearing a life jacket and paying attention to all activity around your boat. Second is to keep the Delta clean. Not throwing trash, fuel, lubricants, solvents or paints into the waterway or discharging sewage matter are some of the ways boaters can help. By doing all these things we make sure that the enjoyment and pleasure of boating is available to current and future generations of Delta visitors. Thank you for keeping the Delta clean."

Raynor T. Tsuneyoshi
Director, California Department of Boating and Waterways

Basic Safety Tips

Always wear a life jacket.
Go with a buddy.
Make sure you have all the right clothing on board.
Monitor local weather using Internet, radio and newspaper sources.
Carry a phone or radio.
Tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back.
Know the rules and regulations.

For a comprehensive listing of safe boating resources, please click here to visit the Department of Boating and Waterways Boating Safety and Education page. Sources: California Coastal Commission and California Department of Boating and Waterway's Boating Clean & Green Program and the Department of Boating and Waterway's Aqua Smart Program.

Sources: California Coastal Commission and California Department of Boating and Waterway's Boating Clean & Green Program and the Department of Boating and Waterway's Aqua Smart Program.