With more than 2,000 miles of navigable streams

and dozens of boatable lakes and impoundments, West

Virginia is an incredible place for boating adventures.

But before you rev up your engine, it’s essential to rec-

ognize the responsibility that comes with operating a

motorboat. Boating safely in West Virginia requires

boaters to make a commitment to protect lives and

ensure a safe experience for everyone on the water by

wearing life jackets and following navigation rules.

In this guide, we’ll explore why boating safety mat-

ters every time you hit the water, why you should al-

ways wear a life jacket, key navigation rules to follow

and how you can protect the environment while enjoy-

ing your time on the water.

Why Boating Safety Matters Every Time You Hit

the Water

Boating offers a sense of freedom and adventure

that few other activities can match, but the open wa-

ter also presents unique dangers that require constant

vigilance. Unlike cars, boats don’t have brakes, and

steering requires propulsion, meaning sudden stops

or quick course corrections aren’t always possible. In

an emergency, reaction time is limited, and conditions

like strong currents, low visibility, and unpredictable

weather can make even the simplest outing hazardous.

“Boating safety is a lifelong requirement,” said

WVDNR Natural Resources Police Capt. Warren Good-

son, who oversees the agency’s boating and hunter ed-

ucation programs. “As the captain of your vessel, you

are responsible for everyone on board. That’s why ed-

ucation and awareness are so important. Understand-

ing the rules of the water and practicing safe habits

every time you take the boat out is the best way to pre-

vent accidents and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience

for all.”

Many boating accidents are preventable, and educa-

tion plays a critical role in reducing risks. That’s why

anyone born on or after December 31, 1986, must com-

plete a boating safety course before operating a motor-

boat in West Virginia. Even if it’s not required for you,

taking a boating safety course can help you under-

stand navigation rules, emergency preparedness and

best practices to keep yourself and others safe. A few

hours of training could mean the difference between a

great day on the water and a dangerous situation.

Life Jackets: Your Best Chance for Survival

Even the most experienced swimmers and boaters

can find themselves in unexpected emergencies. A sud-

den storm, a collision or an accidental fall overboard

can turn a relaxing day on the water into a life-threat-

ening situation in seconds. That’s why wearing a life

jacket isn’t just a precaution — it’s a necessity.

“The National Safe Boating Council promotes the

‘Wear It’ campaign, encouraging boaters to wear life

jackets at all times,” said Goodson. “They might not be

the coolest or most comfortable thing to wear, but they

can save your life.”

West Virginia law requires children 12 and under to

wear a life jacket while a vessel is underway, but adults

are encouraged to take the same precaution. Wearing

one at all times ensures that you’re prepared if an

emergency arises and your family and friends won’t have to worry about searching for flotation devices or

attempting a risky rescue.

When selecting a life jacket, make sure it’s U.S.

Coast Guard-approved, properly fits your body and is

suitable for the type of water activity you plan to do.

For those who find traditional life jackets bulky or un-

comfortable, modern options are comfortable enough

to wear all day and can automatically inflate upon im-

mersion in water. By wearing a life jacket, you set an

example and encourage others to do the same. At the

end of the day, it’s a simple decision that could save

your life.

Navigating West Virginia’s Waterways Safely

Safe boating goes beyond wearing a life jacket.

Knowing the rules of the water and understanding

how to navigate properly is just as critical in prevent-

ing accidents and can help ensure a smooth and enjoy-

able experience for everyone. Here are a few things to

keep in mind:

Float Plan: Always let someone know where you’re

going and when you plan to return. If something goes

wrong, this simple step can save lives.

Boat Maintenance: Before heading out, check your

engine, lights, and essential safety gear. Every year,

boaters get stranded because they failed to perform

routine maintenance.

Navigation Rules: Boaters must follow the “rules

of the waterway.” Always keep a proper lookout, un-

derstand channel markers, and ensure navigation

lights are working properly.

Capacity Limits: Every boat has a capacity plate at

the helm, indicating the maximum weight or number

of people it can safely hold. Overloading your boat can

be dangerous and even illegal.

Just like driving on a road, boating requires following navigation rules to avoid accidents. Understand-

ing right-of-way guidelines, speed limits and safe op-

eration practices can help prevent collisions and keep

everyone on the water safe.

Protecting the Environment While Boating

One aspect of boating safety that gets overlooked is

the essential role boaters play in keeping West Virgin-

ia’s waterways clean and healthy. Follow these simple

steps to minimize your environmental impact:

Proper Waste Disposal: Never dump waste direct-

ly into the water. Use marina pump-out stations for

sanitation waste.

Prevent Invasive Species: Remove vegetation

from your boat and trailer before moving to a different

body of water. Invasive species can spread quickly and

harm local ecosystems.

Respect Wildlife and Shorelines: Avoid damaging

sensitive areas, be mindful of your wake, and dispose

of trash properly to keep West Virginia’s waterways

beautiful.

By practicing environmentally friendly boating hab-

its, you help ensure that future generations can expe-

rience the same beautiful and thriving waters that you

do today.

Plan Safe Boating Adventures Today

Boating in West Virginia is a fantastic way to en-

joy the outdoors, but safety should always come first.

Whether you’re an experienced boater or just starting,

making a commitment to responsible boating practic-

es will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for

everyone on the water. Take a boating safety course,

wear your life jacket and follow rules—because a great

day on the water is a safe one!