Five safety tips before heading out on the water

One in five Swedish households owns a boat, according to the latest survey by the Transport Agency, and interest in boating is rising—but not everyone has the necessary knowledge.

Ragnar Tingström, station chief at the Swedish Sea Rescue Society’s Stockholm station, outlines five essential checks before setting sail. The society’s callouts rose from 2,350 in 2024 to 2,850 in 2025, a trend he links to growing boating activity and gaps in seamanship.

First, ensure life jackets for everyone on board. Tingström calls this as non-negotiable as a seatbelt in a car.

Second, carry a charged phone. It can be used to call emergency services or, as in one case in the Gothenburg archipelago, to signal with the flashlight for rescue in the dark. “The phone is a lifeline for multiple reasons,” he says.

Third, monitor the weather. Conditions can shift rapidly, and preparation is key. “Nature always wins,” Tingström warns.

Fourth, file a float plan. Inform someone of your route and expected return, and update them if plans change.

Finally, check fuel or sails. Ensure the boat can complete the trip and return with a safe margin.