Water Sports Foundation

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Water Sports Foundation

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Coast Guard's over-arching goal to reduce boating casualties in America.

The Water Sports Foundation is the nonprofit, educational arm of the Water Sports Industry Association and its missions are firmly rooted in boating safety and supporting the U.S.

10/01/2026

Boaters know… Tips for new boaters from longtime boaters!

Today’s Tip: Keep a few microfiber towels onboard.

Perfect for:
-Wiping down wet seats
-Drying phones and gear
-Cleaning sunglasses
-Quick cleanup after a splash-heavy day

09/29/2026

🚨 The best time to learn how your flares work is before you need them.

Flares can help rescuers spot you when you’re in trouble, especially when visibility is limited. But they only help if they’re on board, accessible, and within their expiration date. Before your next trip, take a quick look at your emergency gear. Know what you have, where it is, and how to use it. Because the gear you hope you never need is the gear you’ll be glad you checked.

09/28/2026

POV: You said “quick paddle” and now your dog has a better summer tan, better sunglasses, and absolutely no intention of getting off the board. 😎🐶🌊 Who invited him to be this cool?

09/26/2026

A cold drink might sound like part of a perfect day on the water, but alcohol and boating can be a risky combination.

Alcohol can affect your balance, coordination, and judgment, which matters a lot when you are moving around on a rocking boat or navigating changing conditions. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is involved in about one-third of recreational boating fatalities. Enjoy the boat, enjoy the water, and save the drinks for when you are back on shore.

09/22/2026

If you fall off of your paddleboard, knowing what to do next can help you proceed with ease instead of panic.

Stay calm. Keep hold of your board. Move out of the way of other watercraft. Use your board for flotation. Then take your time getting back aboard.

The goal isn’t to never fall in. It’s to feel confident when you do.

09/17/2026

Your boat looks a little different from the water!

Swim platforms, boarding ladders, grab handles and the height of the boat’s sides can all make a difference when it comes time to climb back aboard.

Take a minute to look at your boat from the water. Could you comfortably get back in on your own? 🪜

It’s a simple thing to think about, and good knowledge to have before you need it.

09/15/2026

No Amnesty for Outlaws.

Heard the Coast Guard is now approving Competition Vests, or “Outlaw Vests,” for official carriage requirements? Not so fast.

As pro wakesports athlete Alexa Score explains, the reality is a little more complicated. A new class of low-profile Level 50 buoyancy aids has been approved, and they may look and perform a lot like the comp vests many riders already use.
But there’s a catch: they aren’t expected to hit the market until 2027, and your existing competition vest won’t suddenly become Coast Guard certified.

Get the full story from Alexa and know what’s actually approved before you hit the water.

09/14/2026

How many people can your boat safely carry?

It’s not just about counting seats. People + gear + fuel all add up to your boat’s total weight. Overloading can affect stability, handling, and your boat’s ability to stay safely afloat. That capacity plate on your boat? It’s not a suggestion.

This is your reminder to check your boat’s capacity and make sure your passengers and gear stay within the limits.

09/10/2026

Would you rather… FALL EDITION! 🍂

🍁 A. Kayak through crisp fall mornings
🦆 B. Head out for duck hunting season
🌊 C. Take one last jet ski ride before winter

No wrong answers! Which one are you picking? 👇

09/08/2026

The best time to discover a problem with your boat is NOT after you leave the dock. 🚤

Before you head out, take a few minutes to run through F.B.N.D.C.:
⛽ Fuel
🔋 Battery
🧭 Navigation & lights
💧 Drain plugs & bilge
📻 Communication & emergency gear

A quick pre-departure check can help catch small problems before they become big ones on the water.

Address

Orlando, FL

Website

http://www.WaterSportsFoundation.com/

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