Welcome to Louisiana Boaters
An Introduction to Boating and Water-Related Activities

Boating and water-related activities are a very popular form of outdoor recreation in Louisiana. There are over 300,000 registered motorboats, plus tens of thousands of sailboats, canoes, and other manually-propelled boats using the state’s diverse waterways. Favorable climate permits boaters to enjoy many activities year-round. Louisiana is a boater’s paradise. Unfortunately, many recreational boaters will have problems. In 2005, there were 126 boating accidents reported to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. These accidents involved nearly 200 boats, which resulted in 35 fatalities, 98 injuries, and over $415,000 in property damage. Can these accidents be prevented? The answer is an emphatic yes!

The purpose of this boating course is to introduce legal and safe practices to boaters. The information is useful whether you are the owner/operator of the boat or are just along for the fun. The secret of safe boating is the knowledge that will help you stay out of trouble, rather than get you out of trouble once it has happened. Common sense and courtesy also go a long way in keeping you out of trouble.

When you are operating a boat, you are responsible for the safety of the boat, your guests, and any damage your boat or its wake may cause. Remember, when you are on the water and have a problem, you can’t just get out and walk away. The most common fatal accidents are capsizing and falling overboard.

The most numerous non-fatal accidents are collisions with other boaters or objects. Fires and explosions occur less frequently, but they account for a high percentage of property loss.

This book is divided into sections that discuss particular aspects of boating: all about boats, legal requirements, navigation rules, getting underway, accidents, and special topics. This book is, however, a basic book and cannot cover all aspects of boating. Many organizations such as the U.S. Power Squadrons and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provide courses for you to continue your boating education. The more you know about boating, the more you can enjoy it.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries wants you to enjoy a safer boating experience—use common sense, wear a life jacket, and don’t drink and boat!

The secret of safe boating is the knowledge that will help you stay out of trouble, rather than get you out of trouble once it has happened. Common sense and courtesy also go a long way in keeping you out of trouble.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Regional Offices

Online Information About Boating in Louisiana

For information about boating education courses or our online boating education course, visit www.wlf.state.la.us and select Boating Information.

Everything you need to know about boating in Louisiana is just a click away!