Boat Safe Connecticut

07/22/2025

The 2025 Boating season is well underway. Get your CT Boating 'license' this summer. It will be valid forever (no renewal fees) and will be valid in every other state in the US which requires licensing or certification for vessel operation.

This is the time of year which Yacht Clubs, Marinas, and other seasonal water related organizations find it advantageous to schedule classes for their members. We can conduct the classes in one day, over several days, or in the evenings as well. Call us (860-930-3183) to schedule a class for your convenience.

Boat Safe Connecticut has already instructed many students of all ages this season to become safer and more knowledgable vessel operators. Be it the Leaps of Faith Adaptive boat operators, the Pettipaug Yacht Club combination classroom and hands-on drivers, or the Shoreline Sailing Club sailboat helmsmen, they have the knowledge and ability to operate their vessels safely.

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12/30/2024

This is a response to a question in another forum about life jackets:

US Federal law requires that each vessel have a wearable 'Coast Guard Approved' life jacket, of the appropriate "type" (Types are I, II, III, IV, V, and V-hybrid) and "size" (based upon chest size and body weight for the intended wearer) for each person on board the vessel. (Type IV life jackets are throwables - ring bouys and bouyant cushions - and are not valid for 'wearing'. Type V and V-hybrid are inflatables - partially or completely inflatable - and have age restrictions). Some states mandate wearing of the life jacket in certain age groups (ie- 'under 12'), or for certain activities (ie- 'waterskiing'). Coast Guard approval and appropriate size information can be found on the "Coast Guard Approval Label or Tag" clearly visable and legible somewhere on the on the life jacket product. No tag/label or illegible tag/label? - No longer Coast Guard approved (the ink on the label becomes illegible before the product fabric becomes unfunctional and subject to rips or tearing).
Best answer to your question - I use the one I know I will always wear - for me: a type V belt pack inflatable (either automatically inflatable or manually inflatable) based upon my activitity (don't want to get splashed while sailing and also wearing an automatically inflatable life jacket). In addition to this information, the US and Canada are working to have lifejackets certified for use in both countries with one label valid in both countries. Newer lifejackets may have dual certification, whereas older lifejackets might only specify one country.
A final thought for readers - when was the last time you were a passenger in an automobile and not wearing a seatbelt, and the driver said... "we are going to have an accident in 15 seconds - you might want to put your seatbelt on" When? - never! When you have an accident (boat or automobile) the accident occurred literally 'before you knew it was beginning'. The best lifejacket for all of us is the one we are wearing - of the appropriate type and size, and for the activity. There are many good suggestions to your question here. All Best Wishes!

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11/29/2024

Life jackets save lives, especially when the water is cold.

11/29/2024

Life jackets save lives, especially when the water is cold.

Life jackets save lives, especially when the water is cold.

11/29/2024

Be safe when venturing out onto the water this time of year!

Life jackets save lives, especially when the water is cold.

05/01/2024

Reminder!! We are hosting a boating course on Saturday 5/25 from 8-4 at our beach location in Southbury. It will be taught by certified DEEP instructor, Mark Vining. We will provide all equipment and lunch. The event is free for friends of LOF and $25 for outsiders. These three can't wait to learn!! Register at lofadaptiveskiers.org🌊🚤🐶

03/15/2024

This boating class is available to anyone that might need this type of assistance.

You can register for either of these classes in the link below!

https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Education/Boating-Classes

03/13/2024

As the warmer weather arrives, some food for thought.

With spring approaching and the air temperature rising, please know the risks of going out on the water as water temperatures are still low.

Cold water can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. Therefore, anyone on boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly and use extreme caution with cold water temperatures.

Several things to consider:

🦺Always wear a life jacket.

🌡️Dress for the water temperature, not air temperature. Wear cold water protection, like a wetsuit or dry suit.

📡Carry an Emergency Position Indication Radio Device.

📝File a float plan with someone you trust.

🌤️Check the latest marine weather forecast, including water temperatures, with the US National Weather Service New York NY.

Boating in Connecticut
Boaters of Long Island Sound
Long Island Boating

01/18/2024

Hartford Boat Show at Mohegan Sun
Starts today!

Thursday January 18th 12pm-7pm
Friday January 19th 12pm-8pm
Saturday January 20th 10am-8pm
Sunday January 21st 10am-5pm

Purchase tickets online @

More Boats, More Brands Under One Roof than anywhere else in the Hartford area! Cruisers • Fishing Boats • Pontoons • Ski Boats • Engines • Accessories

01/10/2024

Hartford Boat Show and the "beginning" of the 2024 Boating Season opens Thursday, January 18th. Discount tickets available below.