USCG Boating Safety

Stay Safe on the Water

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers.

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers.

Life jackets could prevent approximately two-thirds of all boating-related drownings of children ages 14 and under. In fact, in most states, children under 13 must wear life jackets. It’s the law. The Coast Guard and National SAFE KIDS Campaign strongly recommend adults always wear life jackets as well – not only to keep themselves safe, but to demonstrate safe behavior for their children.

The United States Coast Guard advises boaters not to “Teak Surf.” Recent boating fatalities revealed that carbon monoxide [CO] emitted from a vessel’s exhaust resulted in CO poisoning. “Teak Surfing” places the individual in position directly exposed to the CO in the engine’s exhaust. This may result in a loss of coherent responses and even death. In addition, “Teak Surfing” dangerously exposes the individual to a possible propeller injury and, since it is done without a life jacket [PFD], it significantly increases the probability of drowning. The Coast Guard stresses, “Teak Surfing” is a very dangerous activity and advises boaters not to participate in it.

Essential boating safety steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or United States Power Squadrons® vessel examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters, “You’re in Command. Boat Responsibly!”

For more information on boating responsibly, go to www.USCGboating.org or the U.S. Coast Guard Infoline 1-800-368-5647.

Fishing Brochure

Click below to download the latest version of the Monroe County Fishing Brochure (PDF format).

Live Interactive Map

Click below to view the Monroe County live interactive map and explore around the county for your next fishing opportunity.

Hot Spot Map

Click below to download the Monroe County Fishing Hot Spot Map (PDF format) to view a wide variety of species to target around the county.

Get NYS Fishing License Today

Coming to fish Monroe County or NYS? Be sure to stop into a local tackle shop when you arrive to pick up your fishing license. You can also purchase your license online.

Know Local Regulations

Take a moment to review the local fishing regulations. Know what fish are in season and what the legal limits and lengths are. If you have any questions about the regulations or need to report any violations witnessed, please visit the following link to view the appropriate channels for contacting the DEC