As temperatures rise and the boating season begins, the City of Grants Pass is partnering with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to promote water safety as part of National Safe Boating Week. The local event will take place on Saturday, May 17, at Baker Park Boat Ramp from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering hands-on safety demonstrations and educational resources for families and boaters of all ages.
Located at 760 E Park Street, Baker Park will serve as the regional hub for this nationwide campaign, which aims to reduce accidents and fatalities on America’s recreational waterways. The focus of this year’s event is to raise awareness about the critical importance of wearing life jackets and ensuring vessels meet safety standards before launching.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct complimentary vessel safety inspections during the event. These checks are designed to ensure boaters are equipped with essential gear, such as personal flotation devices (PFDs), signaling tools, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights. The inspections are voluntary and non-punitive, meant solely to educate and help boaters address any missing equipment or compliance issues.
In addition to boat checks, visitors will have the opportunity to explore demonstrations of modern life jacket options. While many still picture the bulky orange vests of the past, today’s PFDs come in sleeker, lighter styles—including inflatable models that offer more mobility and comfort, especially in warm weather. These designs make it easier for boaters, paddlers, and anglers to remain safe without sacrificing movement or convenience.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 data, drowning remains the leading cause of death in recreational boating accidents. Three out of every four boating fatalities last year involved drowning, and in nearly 87 percent of those cases, the victims were not wearing life jackets. These statistics underscore the urgent need for public education around water safety practices, especially in communities like Grants Pass that sit alongside the Rogue River.
The event will also feature a variety of family-friendly resources to encourage children to understand water safety from an early age. Free materials including wristbands, coloring books, and iron-on decals will be handed out to kids, reinforcing the message to always wear a life jacket while on or near the water.
While many locals enjoy the Rogue River on motorboats, rafts, or paddlecraft, the Coast Guard has expressed concern over the growing number of accidents involving non-motorized watercraft. In 2023, paddlecraft—including kayaks, canoes, and rafts—were involved in 183 reported fatalities nationwide, representing a 5 percent increase from the previous year. These vessels now account for over 32 percent of all recreational boating deaths, second only to motorboats.
Organizers emphasize that many of these tragedies could be prevented with better education and preparation. Too often, new paddlers or rafters hit the water without formal training or adequate safety gear. Through events like this, the City of Grants Pass and the Coast Guard Auxiliary hope to reverse that trend by providing practical knowledge and resources in a community-centered setting.
National Safe Boating Week serves as an annual reminder that recreation on the water can be enjoyable and safe—with the right precautions. Saturday’s event offers a timely opportunity for residents to prepare for summer outings and make water safety a priority.