CLEARWATER, FL (May 20, 2021) – The boating boom of 2020 propelled millions into the boating lifestyle, making boater education even more critical. A recent boating trends study found a 34% increase in requests for on-water assistance last year. 

Sea Tow, an international marine assistance provider, recently released the survey and found in 2020, owners of new boats were 142% more likely to need ungrounding services, 108% more likely to need fuel delivered to them, and 11.2% more likely to need a battery jump. Alternately, new boat owners are 22% less likely to need a tow.

Kristen Frohnhoefer, President of Sea Tow, comments, "Our nationwide network of captains anticipate another busy season for 2021. These numbers reflect that new boaters are not yet familiar with shifting sandbars and hard-to-navigate channels or how to manage their fuel, like their more seasoned counterparts – which is getting them into trouble and causing them to call us for assistance. But likewise, these stats demonstrate what we've been saying all along – that when it comes to new boats, on-water assistance typically is needed due to user error, not mechanical failure, as newer boats and engines are more reliable than ever before."

Boating is an incredible pastime, but like many of our favorite activities, safety is of the utmost importance. With busy boating holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day right around the corner, take a moment to review important boating safety tips or attend a class before you set out on the water. 

MarineMax's From the Helm Boating Broadcast highlights industry leaders, like Peg Phillips, Executive Director of the National Safe Boating Council. She joins the program to talk about the importance of boating safety, tips for newbies, and a reminder that "Wear Your Lifejacket at Work Day" is coming up on May 21! Tune in at 11:00 am EDT on Thursday, May 20, to hear the interview and step up your boating knowledge. 

With the number of new boaters recreating on the water, the need for boating education has never been more critical. Sea Tow found that 69% of boaters surveyed are looking for more advice on local navigational assistance, mishap prevention, and general boating basics. Share this information with family and friends who join you on the boat. Fun boating is safe boating!