Safety equipment is mandatory on all race boats participating in an APBA event. Drivers wear life jackets and helmets that meet special requirements. Many drivers also wear fire resistant driving suits, gloves and masks. Each boat must pass a pre-race safety inspection by a registered safety inspector. All drivers of inboard boats with capsules must have been certified in capsule training.

An ambulance is required to be on the race site at all times in order for boats to race.

Three rescue boats are under power at all time during the race, slowly circling inside the race course, ready to react at a moment's notice. On each boat are tow drivers, a boat operator and a medical assistant. In the event of an accident, the first rescue team on site will assist the driver. This team secures the driver, provides basic life support if required, and safely returns the driver to the pit area as quickly as possible. The second and third teams will be responsible for the boat. These teams recover any sinking or sunken boats and returning them to shore. They also clear the course of any debris to ensure a safe race site.

In addition to the rescue team, assistant referees, also know as Turn Judges, are stationed on boats in the center of each corner. Other boats are used to tow disabled boats and to keep the course clear of other water traffic. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary controls traffic on navigable water.