Fishing out of Seward Current Fishing Stories Boating Safety With over 33,000 miles of coastline, more than 3 million lakes and over 3,000 rivers, Alaska is a boater's paradise.
Boats are a big part of the Alaskan lifestyle.
Alaskans use their boats not only for recreation, but also for day to day transportation. Unfortunately, Alaska's superlatives also include the highest boating fatality rate in the nation. Until July 1998, Alaska was the only state without a boating safety program. In response, Governor Tony Knowles established the State Office of Boating Safety within the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. The Office is responsible for administering the Alaska Boating Safety Program, working to reduce Alaska's boating fatalities and enhance safe boating statewide.