Thomas brings a unique perspective to the campaign as both an athlete and a lifelong water sports enthusiast. In the video, he shares why designating a Sober Skipper is essential—not just for the safety of those on board and on the water, but to support his focus and performance behind the boat. His story emphasizes that making smart choices on the water is a core part of taking the sport safely and seriously.
The Sober Skipper: Why It Matters video series is part of a national campaign to eliminate Boating Under the Influence (BUI) by amplifying real voices from the boating community. Each video highlights the role that individual responsibility, preparation and awareness play in preventing accidents. The campaign is especially focused on reaching men ages 24–50, those most at risk for BUI-related incidents according to U.S. Coast Guard data.
As more boaters hit the water this summer, the Sea Tow Foundation™ encourages everyone to revisit the basics: check your gear, wear a properly fitting life jacket and always have a designated Sober Skipper at the helm.
Posted By Kim Perry,
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Updated: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
A well-planned day on the water is about more than just sunshine and good company; it involves clear roles and responsibilities to ensure safety and fun for everyone on board. Whether you’re heading out for fishing, leisure or sports, knowing and performing your role effectively can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to the essential roles each member can play to contribute to a smooth and enjoyable boating experience.
The Captain
The Captain holds the ultimate responsibility for the operation and safety of the vessel and passengers. This role includes conducting pre-departure safety checks, ensuring the use of the engine cut-off switch, and checking batteries and other essential equipment before venturing out. The Captain also agrees to be the Sober SkipperTM, ensuring that everyone on board understands and follows safety protocols such as maintaining three points of contact or staying seated while underway, and positioning children in the safest spots on the boat.
The Life Jacket Posse
Critical to ensuring the safety of all passengers, the Life Jacket Posse is in charge of distributing and fitting life jackets for everyone on board before departure. They make sure that each person’s life jacket fits properly and is worn correctly throughout the trip, ready to provide instructions and assistance as needed.
The Beverage Crew
Tasked with hydration and refreshments, the Beverage Crew plays a pivotal role in promoting responsible drinking by helping to designate a Sober Skipper and ensuring that the captain remains alcohol-free throughout the voyage. Their role is crucial in managing the beverage supply and making sure that alcohol consumption does not compromise the safety of the excursion.
The Fun Squad
Responsible for keeping the mood light and enjoyable, the Fun Squad organizes onboard entertainment and activities, especially for the children. They carefully store fishing equipment and other gear, ensuring it remains both secure and easily accessible without posing any hazards. Through their proactive preparation and attention to detail, they create an environment where everyone can relax, have fun, and feel safe.
The Anchor Team
Whether led by the captain or a designated crew member, the Anchor Team is responsible for managing the anchor. This includes calculating the correct scope, ensuring the appropriate amount of line is deployed, and hauling the anchor at the end of the day. Their attention to detail guarantees that the boat is securely anchored and remains in a safe position.
The Lookout
The Lookout plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of watersports activities like wakeboarding and tubing. Tasked with keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings, they watch for other watercrafts, swimmers and potential hazards in the water. Their primary responsibility is to alert the captain of any impending dangers or obstacles that could interfere with safe towing activities.
The Docking Mates
This team takes charge as the boat approaches and leaves the dock. Their Docking Mates responsibilities include preparing docking lines and fenders, securing the lines to the dock cleats and pilings or removing them upon leaving, ensuring that docking maneuvers are carried out safely and communicating with the captain to assist in smooth docking operations.
The Clean-up Gang
After a day of fun on the water, the Clean-up Gang helps to ensure that the boat is left in good condition. This includes organizing and storing gear, disposing of any trash, and tidying up the vessel to keep it clean and ready for the next adventure.
All Roles Matter
Each role on a boat is vital to the safety and enjoyment of your water excursion. By understanding and embracing these responsibilities, every crew member contributes to a safer, smoother sailing experience. Remember, a successful day at sea is a team effort, and knowing your role is the first step toward ensuring everyone has a great time on the water.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Monday, March 24, 2025
Updated: Monday, March 24, 2025
At the Sea Tow Foundation™, we believe that every day on the water should be a safe one. That’s why we’re excited to share the next installment in our "Sober Skipper™: Why It Matters" video series, featuring professional bass angler Mike Iaconelli. As a widely recognized figure in competitive fishing, Mike knows that boating safety isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about making the right choices before ever leaving the dock.
In "Sober Skipper: Why It Matters to Mike Iaconelli," he shares his perspective on why designating a Sober Skipper is essential for every fishing trip. Whether you’re a tournament angler or a weekend hobbyist, being responsible, and staying sober at the helm, can mean the difference between a great day of fishing and a tragic accident. Mike emphasizes that just like responsible driving, responsible boating requires focus, awareness and a clear mind.
With this video series, the Sea Tow Foundation continues to highlight the importance of eliminating Boating Under the Influence (BUI). While BUI is one of the leading causes of fatal boating accidents, it is 100% preventable—and through stories like Mike’s, we’re working to change perceptions about alcohol consumption on the water.
The Sea Tow Foundation is proud to work with fishing pros, wakeboarders and boating enthusiasts who are committed to safety. Each video in this series serves as a powerful reminder that being a Sober Skipper isn’t just about protecting yourself, it’s about looking out for your friends, family and everyone else on the water.
At the Sea Tow Foundation™, we're dedicated to ensuring that every boating trip is as safe as possible. That’s why we're thrilled to announce our new video series, "Sober Skipper™: Why it Matters." This initiative plays a crucial role in our efforts to prevent Boating Under the Influence (BUI), emphasizing the importance of designating a Sober Skipper for every boating trip through the video series.
The premiere episode, "Sober Skipper: Why it Matters to Life by the Bow," features boating influencers Clay and Stephanie Cowart from Life by the Bow, an online channel focused on boating, travel, lifestyle and safety content. This video highlights their deep love for boating and the importance of the Sober Skipper message in protecting families and ensuring a safe and enjoyable time on the water. Through their story, they emphasize how one decision can impact the safety and well-being of all boaters.
With the launch of the series, the Sea Tow Foundation is raising awareness about the importance of designating a Sober Skipper through the voices of wakeboarding enthusiasts, seasoned anglers, and other members of the boating community. Each video brings to life the stories of individuals who prioritize boating safety to ensure that time spent on the water doesn’t turn into a tragedy.
Boating Under the Influence is the leading cause of fatal boating accidents and is entirely preventable, making this campaign especially crucial. Targeted toward boaters, the series tackles the urgent need to shift behaviors and perceptions surrounding alcohol consumption on the water.
Join us in watching "Sober Skipper: Why it Matters to Life by the Bow" and stay tuned for more videos in this series. Together, we can spread the message that being a Sober Skipper is not just a personal choice—it’s a responsibility to the entire boating community.
On a boat, wind, vibration, noise, and the sun can impair balance, coordination, and concentration - all of which are intensified by the use of alcohol, drugs, or even some medications.
Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents every year, but if every boat were to have a Sober Skipper at the helm, these accidents and deaths would be 100% preventable.
Our goal at the Sea Tow Foundation is to eliminate Boating Under the Influence (BUI) by encouraging all boaters to choose to be or to designate a sober skipper before leaving the dock and "Take the Pledge" to not drink any alcohol or take any drugs. Do it for your family, your friends, your passengers and everyone else on board your boat and on the water, so nothing can take you down.
What do you think is missing from our tips? Would you add anything to our list? Let us know in the comments.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Friday, October 13, 2023
Updated: Friday, October 6, 2023
Boating can be an exhilarating experience, but it's important to remember that safety must always accompany adventure. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice navigator, staying informed about local boating safety laws is crucial for a successful voyage.
States are frequently revising their boating laws and requirements to protect the safety and well-being of their local boaters. Another possible change made by states may include implementing new mandatory boating education requirements. It's essential to stay up-to-date about changes in your state’s boating safety laws so you can be certain you comply with the rules before heading to the water. These laws are put in place to protect both boaters and the environment, which is why they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
To ensure you are meeting the most up-to-date boating safety requirements, regularly check your state’s laws online for updates and changes. We recommend searching “Boating safety laws/requirements in {state name}” – you will typically be directed to that specific state’s official website, which will have all of the information you need. Boaters should closely research the laws in any state where they may be boating, not just the state where they live.
Whether or not your state requires you to take a boating safety course, it's still a wise choice to take a course. Education is the key to safe and enjoyable boating, regardless of where you live. Plus, you can often get a discount on your boat owner’s insurance with proof of completing a boating safety course.
Boating safety education courses provide valuable knowledge and skills that every boater should have. Here’s why you should consider enrolling in a boating safety course:
Enhanced Safety: Learning about maritime rules, navigation and emergency procedures can significantly reduce the risk of accidents on the water.
Legal Compliance: As state laws evolve, completing a boating safety course can ensure you remain in compliance with current regulations.
Environmental Awareness: Boating safety courses often include modules on eco-friendly practices, helping you protect the waterways you love.
Confidence on the Water: Gaining expertise through education can boost your confidence while boating.
Responsible Boating: Taking a safety course demonstrates your commitment to responsible boating and sets a positive example for others. You can check out our Sober Skipper Program, an initiative to eliminate Boating Under the Influence (BUI) by encouraging all boaters to be or designate a sober skipper before leaving the dock. In every state, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The ever-changing landscape of boating safety laws highlights the need for continuous education and awareness. Chart your course to a safer boating experience – stay informed about your state’s boating laws, and take the necessary steps to make safety a priority on the water at all times.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Monday, June 26, 2023
Updated: Friday, June 2, 2023
There are many reasons why you should designate a sober skipper when boating. You can remember these using the acronym PLUS:
Peace of mind: Knowing that there is a sober person in charge of the boat can help you relax and enjoy your time on the water. Especially because the sober skipper is not going to be drinking any alcohol or taking any drugs.
Legality: In every single state, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Designating a sober skipper can help you avoid getting legal problems because BUI is 100% preventable.
Upstanding: The Sober Skipper should be respected and appreciated by everyone for being the safe operator of the boat. In fact, everyone should thank their Sober Skipper for their willingness to help prevent boating accidents and take charge of all of the people in the boat.
Safety: Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, which are essential for safe boating. A sober skipper is more likely to make sound decisions and be able to react quickly to unexpected situations plus they are familiar with the boat and how it operates as well as the waterways.
Designating a sober skipper is a simple way to make boating safer and more enjoyable for everyone. If you are planning on boating, make sure to designate a sober skipper before you leave the dock or launch your boat.
As the summer boating season is well underway, the need to prevent Boating Under the Influence (BUI) accidents increases as more and more boaters take to the waterways with coolers full of alcohol. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the leading primary contributing factor to boating-related deaths is alcohol use, yet this is 100% preventable when a Sober Skipper is designated before heading out on the water.
The Sea Tow Foundation’s BUI prevention effort known as the Sober Skipper Campaign has been in existence since 2015 and the concept is catching on with boaters because the number of boating accidents, deaths and injuries have all decreased since that time. However, more efforts are needed as we work to achieve the goal of “Heading to Zero” accidents, deaths and injuries related to BUI. The Sea Tow Foundation believes that alcohol use should never be the reason why someone doesn’t come home from a day on the water. This is why the Sea Tow Foundation encourages all boaters to take the Sober Skipper Pledge.
The Sea Tow Foundation has developed a number of free materials that provide the education, tools and resources needed to eliminate BUI. A short and engaging PSA video was developed to target the key audience involved in most BUI accidents and it can be shared easily on social media or through email. A free downloadable Sober Skipper Resource Kit provides key messages, talking points, media relations tools and other details. Sober Skipper Aluminum signage and many other new and updated Sober Skipper materials are now available for a low flat rate shipping price. These items include the updated yellow Sober Skipper wristband that can be used as a reminder that the boater has taken the Sober Skipper Pledge and the updated floating yellow Sober Skipper keychain was added to serve as another reminder as well as a place to put the boat keys. The newest item available to request is the yellow Sober Skipper whistle that comes on a coiled wristband. Not only does the whistle meet carriage requirements for a sound-producing device, but it is a great reminder of the Sober Skipper Pledge. Packages of the wristbands, keychains and wristbands are available for distribution to boating safety classes, yacht clubs, community organizations, and they can also be used in events like boat shows and safety fairs to spread the Sober Skipper message and help the Sea Tow Foundation work to eliminate BUI for our waterways this summer.
Visit our online store to find these items and many more available that meet the Sea Tow Foundation’s vision of a world where all boaters are safe and responsible someday soon.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Updated: Thursday, June 15, 2023
Many towns and cities around the country will be firing off spectacular community fireworks displays over the water on holidays like July 4th and New Year's Eve. One of the best places to watch these spectacular shows is from a boat. But these festive holiday evening displays can cause crowded, disorienting and smoky conditions on the water. If you are thinking of taking your boat out to watch the fireworks, follow these 10 tips from the Sea Tow Foundation to make sure the holiday celebration is safe for everyone.
1. Don’t Drink and Boat. Boating Under the Influence is the leading cause of all boating accidents, incidents and deaths. Always be or designate a Sober Skipper before leaving the dock. This individual will be responsible for returning the boat and its passengers safely to shore after the fireworks are over. Take the Sober Skipper Pledge.
2. Wear Your Life Jacket. Make sure everyone on board the boat is wearing a life jacket that fits them properly. Navigating at night in a crowd of other boats amid smoke from a fireworks display can be just as dangerous as boating in inclement weather or fog. Ensure the life jacket is worn over the top of any sweatshirts or jackets. If you need to borrow a life jacket, find one of our nationwide life jacket loaner stations.
3. Watch Your Weight. Don’t overload the boat with passengers. The number of seats available on board is not always the best indicator of capacity. Look for the weight capacity plate on the transom or by the helm; you can also look up the passenger capacity in the builder’s manual.
4. Navigate With Caution. Remember that visual navigation marks that you rely on during the day may be invisible at night. Chart your route to the on-water fireworks viewing zone in advance and use GPS-enabled electronics to help you find it Also, ensure your running and anchor lights are working properly.
5. Rules For Rafting-Up. If you are rafting up to other vessels to watch the fireworks, have fenders and lines ready as you approach the raft-up, and tell your passengers to keep their entire body inside the boat at all times.
6. Leave It To The Experts. Keep all store-bought fireworks at home and off the boat. Fireworks should only be lit on a flat and level surface; a boat is not stable enough because it will rock and move in the water. In addition, fiberglass is flammable, and the boat’s engine and fuel can pose a serious fire risk when sparks and open flames are present.
7. Flares Are For Emergencies Only. Never fire emergency flares in place of fireworks. They are not intended for this use and often burn hotter and faster than fireworks. It is also unlawful to make a false call for help; you could face severe fines and/or jail time.
8. Stifle The Sparks. Keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water handy to put out any sparks that might drift over to your boat from the fireworks display.
9. Sit Back and Relax. Don’t rush to get home; let some of the boat traffic clear out before you raise anchor.
10. Listen Up! Obey U.S. Coast Guard-designated fireworks safety zones and follow their orders or the orders of other local marine authorities – they are only out there to protect you! Details concerning the nature of the fireworks event will be published in Local Notices to Mariners and via Broadcast Notice to Mariners over VHF-FM band radio.
Do you have any other tips to add? Let us know in the comments.
If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a
donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts
to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate
securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.
Posted By Gail Kulp,
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Updated: Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Spring Boating Safety Tips
Spring is here which means it is time for warmer weather, sunny skies, and fun with friends or family members on the boat! Before you pack those bags and head out on your spring boating trip, the Sea Tow Foundation has 6 tips to help you have a safe AND fun time on the water.
1.Take a Boating Safety Class Now. Many states require taking a passing a boating safety course and getting a boating license or boating certificate. Whether you’re renting a boat, recently bought a boat, or have years of boating experience, you’ll pick up some pointers and boost your marine confidence as well as satisfy requirements for boaters in Florida. And you could be eligible for a discount on your boat-owners insurance for passing a course, too. Boating safety courses are offered both online and in person through our friends with the America’s Boating Club (formerly known as the U.S. Power Squadrons) or take an interactive, online course through our friends at iLearntoBoat. You can also find other courses available through your state boating agency.
2.Ask for Advice.Spring boating trips may involve traveling to new and exciting destinations. If you are unfamiliar with the bay, lake, river or ocean you’re headed to, it’s smart to talk to the local Sea Tow captains in the area who will happily share water conditions, current patterns, routes and (bonus!) wildlife watching tips.
3.Pack the sunscreen. If you’re not used to the sun and warmer temperatures or with being outdoors for a good portion of the day, you will soon by surprised by a nasty sunburn. Put on some sunscreen and don’t forget a hat and polarized sunglasses, too.
4.Reserve now.If you are planning to rent a boat during the
spring season, make sure you’ve got the rental confirmed well in advance of
your trip and reach out to the company ahead of time to see if you need to
bring anything for the boat with you. They should provide you with an
orientation to your rental boat as well as all of the safety equipment
required. If you are taking your own boat out, make sure your boat trailer is
ready for the road with good tires, straps and chains. Plus, check that the
boat ramp is still open and that you find out where you can park your vehicle
and trailer while you’re out on the water.
5.Once you get to your trip, follow the ABCD rule.
a.Always Wear Life Jackets. Every passenger should wear a properly fitted U.S Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jacket. And remember that adult-size life jackets aren’t meant for children. If you’ve forgotten to pack your own or need extras, you can always stop by a Sea Tow Foundation Life Jacket Loaner Station to borrow them for the day.
b.Bring along safety gear. Emergency preparation = peace of mind. No matter the size of your boat, these are the absolute essentials to keep on board:
Marine VHF radio
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Tool kit
Flashlight and extra batteries
Duct tape
Bucket
Waterproof whistle or horn
Lines
Emergency signaling equipment
c.Check—and Recheck—the Weather. Choppy waters can’t always be predicted. If conditions aren’t favorable, don’t chance it. There are many apps and websites that help you know the conditions before you go and to continue to check on the weather while you are out on the water.
d.Designate a Sober Skipper. Never, ever operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.The wind, sun and boat vibration all contribute to increased impairment, even after a single beer. Responsible boaters carry plenty of water, non-alcoholic drinks and food on board. To learn more and Take the Pledge, check out our Sober Skipper Campaign.
6.Share Your Trip to Social.Did your spring boating trip really happen if you didn’t document it? Be sure to tag us in all your photos and adventures on all of our social media platforms: Instagram (@seatowfoundation), Facebook (@SeaTowFoundation), Twitter (@SeaTowFdn) and LinkedIn (@seatowfoundation).
Have a fantastically fun and super safe spring break!
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