Safe boating takes practice and preparation, but it's not complicated. Did you know 90% of Oregon's boating fatalities occur because the victim wasn't wearing a life jacket? Check this link for information on choosing a life jacket and wearing it properly. Not convinced? Check these accident statistics and see for yourself.
Drinking and boating is also a major contributor to boating accidents. Check here for information on our campaign against Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants.
The Marine Board provides numerous safety publications to the public, and most are available in our online library in PDF form. Please contact us if you have any publication questions at 503-378-5163.
Oregon's Mandatory Boater Education Program will eventually require that powerboat operators complete a basic boating safety course. Our law enforcement program is constantly working to enforce marine laws and assist boaters. To help understand and address the safety issues facing Oregon's boaters, we track and analyze boating accidents each year. We are posting accident statistics through this site.
Safety Links
Find out the Safety History of a waterbody by clicking here:
Salmon seasons begin in the spring and run through late fall in many coastal estuaries. They draw many thousands of boaters, depending on weather and strength of the run. Please don't underestimate coastal waters - they can be tricky. Here is a page with helpful information, printable pages for each of the main coastal bays and other resources.
Page updated: June 27, 2008
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