Enjoy water recreations by including a lifejacket

Longer days and warmer temperatures, mean more boats are on the water and the Wisconsin DNR reminds boaters that wearing a life jacket, could save their life. Three people have died in boating incidents so far this year, in addition to 22 people who died in 2020.

“Operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness and speeding, are the four leading causes of tragic watercraft crashes and the leading cause of death is drowning,” said Darren Kuhn, DNR boating law administrator. “Life jackets don’t do any good if they are sitting next to you. Things can go wrong at any moment.”

Most drowning victims on Wisconsin waterbodies, were not wearing life jackets. Wisconsin rivers and lakes can be relaxing and family-friendly places to spend a summer day when people put safety first and respect for the water.

The department does not track all drownings – only those fatalities linked to the use of a recreational activity item, such as a boat, kayak or canoe.

Statistics show that boaters who wear life jackets and take boater safety courses, are most likely to stay safe on Wisconsin waters.

Always wear a properly fitted life jacket that has a snug fit, and is fastened when on or near the water. Life jackets will keep a person on top the water. People should also enjoy the waters sober and know their limits. Alcohol blurs a person’s judgment, reaction time and abilities.

River shorelines and sandbars also pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual’s boating, paddling and swimming skills. In addition, keep an eye on the weather and be ready for the unexpected.