Boating Safety Week encourages people on the water to build a safer boating culture together

Hosted by the Finnish Lifeboat Institution, Boating Safety Week aims to improve safety on the water by increasing awareness and encouraging people on the water to adopt safer practices. The main partners of Boating Safety Week are the Finnish Border Guard, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, rescue services, the police and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. A large number of other organisations working in boating and water safety are also involved.

Boating Safety Week, organised by organisations promoting boating safety, will in future be held annually during the first week of June.

“Boating Safety Week shares knowledge and skills in a positive spirit. Safety often comes down to small and easy-to-remember things. Making them part of every boating trip does not take away from the enjoyment of being on the water – quite the opposite, it provides peace of mind,” says Marko Stenberg, Safety and Preparedness Manager at the Finnish Lifeboat Institution.

Boating Safety Week highlights boaters’ responsibility for their own safety

Knowing and following shared rules are the foundation of boating safety. In addition, the master of a recreational boat has a statutory responsibility for the safety of the boat and everyone on board, Stenberg reminds.

The themed week is aimed at all boaters and other people on the water. During the week, participants can listen to short expert talks and webinars, take part in online training, test their own knowledge and skills and much more. Wednesday will feature a dedicated theme day for children and young people.

Traficom theme day on Friday 5 June

During Boating Safety Week, Traficom will highlight the importance of wearing lifejackets and the accident risks caused by alcohol. “Did you know that most fatal boating accidents occur when a rowing boat or small outboard motorboat capsizes? Add to that a situation where lifejackets have been left on shore and alcohol has been consumed, and the risk of an accident increases significantly. So always wear a lifejacket on the water and stay sober,” stresses Kimmo Patrakka, Chief Specialist at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.

Boating Safety Week – Knowledge makes boating safer.