Garmin's Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology helps boaters prevent collisions by transmitting vessel data and providing situational awareness. Garmin has partnered with the Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce to alert boaters to North Atlantic right whale areas, protecting marine life while enhancing navigation safety.
The Waterways Safety Council invites the public to attend its quarterly virtual meeting on August 19 at 9 a.m. via Microsoft Teams Live. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft will brief council members on ongoing projects and issues affecting recreational boating in Ohio.
Construction begins July 27 at Cyr Bridge Fishing Access Site on the Clark Fork River's Alberton Gorge. The boat slide will remain open during daytime hours with temporary evening closures while Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks replaces wood and stairs over several weeks.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has reopened the Moundville Public Boat Ramp after renovations to the launching slab. Funding was provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Program and Innovate Alabama.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is renovating the Andrew Hulsey Lake Hamilton Access in Hot Springs from July 13-17, adding floating docks, repaving the parking lot, and creating a dedicated kayak launch area to improve safety and accommodate fishing tournaments like the FLW Cup and All American.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will temporarily close Waterfront Public Boat Ramp on Lake Guntersville starting July 13, 2026 for major upgrades including parking expansion, a new four-lane launching slab, and floating access pier.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds boat operators to be mindful of wake risks during peak summer boating season. The DNR recommends maintaining safe distances from shore, reducing speed in congested areas, and being courteous to other water users to prevent property damage, shoreline erosion, and habitat degradation.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will conduct courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings across South Carolina on July 3-5. Officers will check for required safety equipment and proper registrations, offering compliance assistance rather than citations during the busy holiday weekend.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds boaters that waterways will be extremely busy around July 4th. Lt. Eric Sullivan emphasizes that all water users must share resources responsibly by wearing life jackets, managing wakes, preventing aquatic invasive species spread, and obtaining required watercraft operator's permits.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed improvements to public water access sites at Green Lake's Kandiyohi County Park 5 and Rush Brown Landing, plus Elkhorn Lake, funded through the Get Out MORE initiative. Upgrades include new boat ramps, stormwater management, aquatic invasive species prevention facilities, and enhanced accessibility features.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will increase patrols July 3-5 as part of "Operation Dry Water," a nationwide initiative coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to reduce alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents. Capt. Jerrod Alley emphasizes that intoxicants impair operator judgment and reaction time, urging boaters to stay sober and ensure proper safety equipment.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission authorized over $5.5 million in boating and fishing access improvements during outgoing Chairman Anne Marie Doramus's final meeting. The Marine Fuel Tax funds will support projects across multiple counties, including road improvements, pier construction, and facility renovations. Rob Finley was elected as the new AGFC chairman.
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.