What You Need to Know This Spring About Boating Safety

Three years after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and following a flat 2025 due to inflation, boating industry sales are finally stabilizing and showing a slight increase in 2026. According to a Dream Yacht Sales article from February 2026, the U.S. recreational boating market entered 2026 in a position of relative stability after a softening in sales throughout 2025. With this type of consumer spending showing some brightness in the marina world, there is an increase of new boat owners in the post-pandemic world of 2026. Recognizing this is Weezie Mullaly, Geico Westchester agency owner on Central Park Avenue in Yonkers.

According to Mullaly, a lover of boating herself, people who are looking to purchase a boat this season need to know everything they can about boat insurance and what to look out for.

"Westchester folks really must have these boating insurance tips in their back pocket, simply because they are always focused on safety, preparation, and maintenance of that particular vessel," said Mulally. "It's all to ensure a safe experience out in the open waters."



Mullaly's safety recommendations include checking the weather forecast and always having it at the top of mind. Additionally , carrying life jackets for all passengers on the vessel, maintaining a proper outlook, following all navigation rules, and being prepared for emergencies. In addition to making sure there are enough life jackets for all passengers, there are four more necessary safety equipments to include. One, having a fire extinguisher aboard, two, a VHF radio, three, flares are highly important , and four, of course, a well-equipped first aid kit before sailing.

Safety also ties into boating maintenance due to the fact that mechanical failures can be dangerous in open waters. Mullaly stresses checking on several critical areas, such as the bilge pump, lights, and the fuel gauge, to ensure they are working properly.

Finally, points out that highly interested and dedicated boating lovers need to complete a boating safety course to improve their knowledge and safety.

"They should know the 'Nautical Rules of the Road' and be familiar with the boating state laws," said Mullaly. "Without saying, people really need to know everything from A to Z of the boating industry, it's for their own safety, as well as really knowing the rules."