Because many different types of recreators may be sharing a boating area, show respect by operating at safe speeds and keeping an adequate distance from others. Due to their limited maneuverability, give sailboats and other non-motorized craft a wide berth. Remember, you are responsible for any damage your boat, or the wake from your boat, may cause.

Boating Education

Find boating education information and classes in Montana. [Learn more]

Cold Water Immersion

Immersion in cold water can kill in just minutes—the colder the water, the greater the risk. One's swimming ability does not improve one's chances of survival. [Learn more]

Drinking and Boating

It is illegal and dangerous to operate a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This award winning video shows real life consequences when some people choose to drink alcohol and then operator a personal watercraft. [Watch video ]

Boater's Checklist

Use a checklist as a guide before you launch your watercraft.

Motorized vessels checklist (motorboats & PWC)
[Web page | Printable version ( 44 KB)]

U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Safety Checklist
[Printable version ( 127 KB) ]

Loading Pasengers & Gear

Here you will find a few safety tips about loading your boat. [Learn more]

Resources

FWP Outdoor Reports

The FWP Video Library offers short videos about boating safety.

• Life Jacket Update—Life jacket laws have changed very little, but life jacket designs are going through a major revolution.
• Boating Safety—Safe boat driving can be as important as boat safety equipment.

Montana Outdoors Magazine Articles

Boating articles from Montana Outdoors, the magazine of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

• Safely Down the Stream —A beginner's guide to rowing Montana's scenic rivers.

Boating Safety Brochures, Posters & Forms

• Accident Report Form ( 27 KB)
• Checklists
  • Motorized vessels checklist (motorboats & PWC) ( 44 KB)
• Float Tubes and Belly Boat Posters
  • Full Color ( 8.7 MB)
  • Two Color ( 320 KB)
• Life Jacket Brochure ( 330 KB)
• Montana Boating Laws Brochure ( 1,4 MB)
• Personal Watercraft Brochure ( 220 KB)

Boating Organizations

• American Canoe Association —A national nonprofit organization that promotes paddlesports education and stewardship.
• Boat U.S. Foundation —A national nonprofit organization that promotes boating safety, education, and outreach.
• U.S. Coast Guard —The official Web site of the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxilary 13-10 —Montana's volunteer boating safety experts.
• Small Craft Advisory —A publication of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators devoted to recreational boating laws, safety and education.