Safety First: Tips for a Safe Summer from Sea Grant

May 28, 2020

It’s almost time for summer fun outdoors and on the water, and that means it’s time to remember, safety first! Sea Grant programs across the nation share information and advice related to safe practices in coastal environments. As we approach summer, be sure to check out these resources for boating and coastal recreation safety.

Boating safety

Complete this pre-trip checklist before boating. (Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant)
Going kayaking? Review these five basic safety questions before paddling. (Maine Sea Grant)
Boating safety has a new COVID-19-related element now. Review the extra precautions boaters can take. (New York Sea Grant)
Be a coastal steward and respect surrounding habitat and wildlife while boating. (Georgia Sea Grant)
Watch this video to learn about how to correctly use inflatable life jackets, what type of one to wear and how to keep your life jacket in good condition. (Texas Sea Grant)
Make sure your boating emergency survival kit addresses four elements — shelter, signals, fire starter and personal needs. (Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant)

Activities in the water

Break the grip of the rip. Learn what to do if you are caught in a rip current. (North Carolina Sea Grant)
Which is more hazardous: sharks or rip currents? (New Jersey Sea Grant)
Surf’s up! But if it has rained recently, don’t jump in just yet. Rain can wash contaminants into waterways, which may pose a danger for 3 days after storms. (California Sea Grant)

With hurricane season starting June 1, it’s also important to familiarize yourself with risks from coastal storms. Here are steps you can take to become more knowledgeable and prepared.

Hurricane preparedness

Dispel hurricane myths while learning about emergency supplies to gather and evacuation planning. Also, find hurricane-related webinars for kids. (Woods Hole Sea Grant)
Are you familiar with evacuation zones? Find information about evacuation zones, local evacuation routes and customized municipal preparedness, in addition to general resources on hurricane preparedness. (Connecticut Sea Grant)
Learn about flood risk, flood insurance and how to prepare for a flood. (Delaware Sea Grant)
Prevent wind and hurricane damage to structures with these tips. (South Carolina Sea Grant)

American Lobster

Sea Grant’s American Lobster Initiative awards $5.4 million to further innovative research and outreach in support of the lobster industry and fishing communities

Since 2019, Sea Grant’s American Lobster Initiative has addressed critical knowledge gaps about the American lobster and its fishery facing a dynamic and changing environment. The Initiative supports a regional extension program in the Northeast and a national research competition. Fifteen emerging research projects were selected in 2023 and 2024 for $4.6 million in federal funding by the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program. Coordinated by Maine Sea Grant since 2019, the Northeast lobster extension program was recently renewed with an $840,000 federal award that supports work through 2026.

Sea Grant announces $987, 361 to fund 2024 Young Fishermen’s Career Development projects

Sea Grant announces $987, 361 to fund 2024 Young Fishermen’s Career Development projects Today, NOAA’s National Sea Grant Office is pleased to announce the selection

Sea Grant welcomes 2025 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship finalists

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 class of the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. This year, for the first time in program history, all eligible Sea Grant programs are represented by a diverse cohort of 88 early-career professionals who will spend the next year working alongside federal agencies or legislative offices in Washington, D.C., applying their academic expertise to critical marine, coastal and Great Lakes policy issues.