09/30/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New America's Boating Channel Video Highlights Risks for Hunters and Anglers
RALEIGH, N.C., September 30, 2026 — Hunters and anglers may not consider themselves boaters, but when they hunt or fish from a boat, boating safety can be a matter of life and death.
America’s Boating Channel has released a new video, “Hunting and Fishing in Boats,” highlighting the importance of safe boating practices for people who use boats to pursue their favorite outdoor activities.
In recent years, about one in three boating fatalities involved people who were hunting or fishing from a boat, and nearly nine in 10 of those deaths were caused by drowning. The statistics underscore the importance of wearing a life jacket and taking basic precautions before heading onto the water.
The video reminds hunters and anglers to wear properly fitted life jackets, avoid overloading their boats, distribute passengers and equipment evenly, check weather and water conditions, and move carefully around the boat. It also highlights the dangers of falls overboard and capsizing — particularly when operating smaller boats loaded with people and hunting or fishing equipment.
“Hunters and anglers are boaters when they take their activities onto the water,” said America's Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons Chief Commander Mike Wiedel. “Taking a few basic safety precautions can make the difference between a successful day outdoors and a tragedy.”
The video is part of America’s Boating Channel’s continuing effort to provide boaters with practical, easy-to-understand information that promotes safe and responsible boating and is available for free viewing at America’s Boating Channel YouTube Channel ( https://www.youtube.com//videos) or on the free on-demand app on Roku or FireTV.
America’s Boating Channel is produced by America’s Boating Club® | United States Power Squadrons®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe boating through education, civic service, and fellowship.
For more information about America’s Boating Channel and its boating safety resources, visit AmericasBoatingChannel.com.
Media Contact:
MANATEE SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON
MANATEE-SQUADRON.ORG
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About America’s Boating Channel
America’s Boating Channel® is produced for United States Power Squadrons® (USPS) under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The service features professionally produced, high definition, safe boating and boater education videos. America’s Boating Channel has been recognized with the National Boating Industry Safety Award as the 2021 Top Marine Media Outlet, and with the 2022 International Boating and Water Safety Summit Communication Award for the top Video Public Service Announcement (PSA) Series.
About America’s Boating Club
America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to boating safety and education while offering valuable social opportunities and benefits for our members. Our members are boaters and boating families who boat together, learn together, and contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Visit americasboatingclub.org.
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Social Media Post
🎣🦆Heading out to hunt or fish from a boat? Put safety first! 🛶
Did you know that 1 out of 3 boating fatalities in recent years involved someone hunting or fishing from a boat? Over 90% of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.
Whether you’re casting a line or setting up decoys, always remember: you are a boater first! Keep these crucial tips in mind before your next trip:
🦺 Wear Your Life Jacket: Over 90% of fatalities involved sportsmen without life jackets. Wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved vest or camouflage float coat.
⚖️ Keep Your Balance: Always maintain three points of contact when moving. Stay seated when casting, reeling, or shooting to keep the center of gravity low.
🎒 Don't Overload: Small boats (under 16 ft) capsize easily. Check your vessel’s capacity plate and pack gear evenly.
⚓ Secure Fi****ms & Gear: Keep guns unloaded and in cases during transport. Never fire until the engine is off and the boat is anchored or secured.
🐕 Dog on Board? Keep your retriever seated in the center of the boat to prevent tipping.
Stay safe on the water so you can enjoy every catch and season! 🌾🌊
📺 Watch the full video guide here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKvOJZW4L3Q
United States Power Squadrons
PO Box 30423
Raleigh, NC 27622
[email protected] | 888-367-8777
