Flamingo Marine has entered series production with its first customer ROVE 245 pontoon boats and announced expanded leadership, appointing Adam McCall as Chairman and CEO, with co-founders Brian Davis and Eric Davis transitioning to Sales, Marketing & Service and Design & Engineering roles respectively. Richard Haveman joins as VP of Operations.
PORT 32 Marinas, LLC announced new 50- and 60-foot floating slips at PORT 32 Tampa featuring wave attenuator technology, electrical service, and water access. The expansion increases wet-slip capacity for boaters on Florida's Gulf Coast, with CEO Austin Schell highlighting the infrastructure designed for member convenience and safety.
Capt. Adam Peeples with One Shot Charters landed a 113-inch, 790-pound bluefin tuna on a Penn 70 while live baiting for blue marlin. The fish fought for approximately 90 minutes before sinking in 2,200 feet of water, requiring a difficult retrieval. Peeples emphasizes the importance of proper equipment and meat preservation for offshore bluefin fishing.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water announced its free state-approved boating safety course is now available in 15 additional states including Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The self-paced online course covers navigation, safety equipment, and emergency preparedness, with completion in two to four hours.
Low-water conditions from severe drought are affecting Nebraska reservoirs this summer, with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission closing several boat ramps. Boaters should check the Public Access Boating map at OutdoorNebraska.gov for current ramp conditions and contact managing agencies directly for the most up-to-date information.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds boaters to designate a sober operator during National Safe Boating Week. According to NASBLA, alcohol causes 1 in 5 boating deaths nationwide, and AZGFD emphasizes that wearing life jackets and following safety protocols are critical for protecting families on Arizona's waterways.
The National Safe Boating Council promotes responsible boating practices through National Safe Boating Week. The article provides six essential tips including vessel preparation with Garmin marine electronics, knowing your waters, wearing life jackets, having a safety plan, boating sober, and taking a boating safety course to ensure smooth sailing this season.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division will participate in National Safe Boating Week from May 16-22, conducting safety checks and reminding boaters about PFD regulations, sober operation, and boating education courses. Statistics show 87 recreational boating fatalities occurred between 2021-25, with 81 percent involving unweathered PFDs and 26 percent involving alcohol.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources reminds boaters to prioritize safety during National Safe Boating Week and Memorial Day weekend. Key recommendations include wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, using engine cut-off switches, boating sober, taking boater education courses, and filing float plans with someone ashore.
Wildlife Forever and Discover Mediaworks are promoting Safe-Boating.com during National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) to encourage boaters to prioritize safety and conservation. The free online resource, developed through the Getting Families Fishing & Boating program with the U.S. Coast Guard, provides boating safety certification, educational videos, and the Clean Drain Dry campaign to prevent aquatic invasive species.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognizes National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) to educate boaters and water users. Coast Guard statistics show 87% of recreational boating fatalities involved drowning victims not wearing life jackets, emphasizing the importance of proper personal flotation devices.
ACR Electronics and Ocean Signal recommend boaters carry Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), and electronic flares during National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22). The company highlights how modern marine safety technology improves visibility, location accuracy, and rescue response times for recreational and professional boaters.
National Safe Boating Week runs May 16-22, 2026, marking the official kickoff of the Before You Boat campaign from the BoatUS Foundation. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water recommends essential safety tips including wearing life jackets, inspecting emergency beacons, filing float plans, and checking weather conditions before boating.
Grayson Mote, 20, of Ellsworth, Maine, who went missing while paddleboarding on Graham Lake on May 5th, was located deceased this evening approximately 2/10 mile from shore. The intensive search involved the Maine Warden Service, Ellsworth Police Department, Ellsworth Fire Department, Maine Marine Patrol, Maine State Police, and the Maine Forest Service.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water launched Utah's only free approved boating course, approved by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. The self-paced online course meets state requirements for boaters ages 12-17 and includes interactive modules and videos. Upon completion, boaters receive an immediate digital certificate with the option to order a waterproof plastic card.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is promoting National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22) with essential safety tips including checking life jackets, inspecting emergency beacons, filing float plans, and taking their free online boating safety course approved in 37 states.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are partnering with ACA Alabama, Montgomery Whitewater, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer affordable Kayaking 101 classes on May 16 at Montgomery Whitewater, launching National Safe Boating Week across eight states.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is launching a statewide life jacket exchange program with events throughout May and June at various locations including Lake Havasu City, Parker, and Lake Pleasant. Participants can swap worn or ineffective life jackets for new ones while supplies last.
Mercury Marine provides guidance on optimizing boat fuel economy through proper propeller selection, monitoring fuel flow with SmartCraft gauges and VesselView displays, using Active Trim for automatic engine trimming, and reducing unnecessary weight onboard.
Mag Bay Yachts' new 43 Center Console flagship, developed by Mike and Barrett Howarth, features a patented Cross-Step hull design and premium construction with fiberglass molded stringer grid system and vinylester construction. The boat offers flexible seating configurations and customizable amenities for offshore fishing, family cruising, or yacht tender use, with twin Mercury 600HP V12 outboards standard.