The weather has been heating up ahead of schedule lately, and so it is time to begin stressing boating safety as many begin to hit the waterways.

The National Weather Service has once again partnered with the National Safe Boating Council and United States Coast Guard to promote safe boating practices as we approach Memorial Day weekend.

According to AmericanBoating.org, nearly 675 Americans perished each year due to boating accidents over the last two decades.

This year has already proven to be deadly on the water. National Safe Boating Week aims to educate the public about the dangers of inexperienced and irresponsible boating. The campaign will highlight relevant weather topics, safety advice and recreational boating resources through social media, the web, and NOAA Weather Radio campaigns. 

Included in Boating Safety Week is cold water safety. Air temperatures are beginning to reach the 70s and 80s regularly, but water temperatures are currently only in the low 60s across our area - dangerously cold for the human body.

Living near the water is a privilege, one that sometimes can be taken for granted. If you plan on going out on the water at any time this season, take this opportunity to brush up on safety precautions that could save your life, or someone else's.

For more information, visit the National Weather Service's boating safety page.