This week is National Safe Boating Week, which is perfect timing as Memorial Day weekend approaches. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wanted to share some safety tips before boaters head to the water for the long holiday weekend. One of the most important tips is to wear a lifejacket.
Everyone assumes that if they know how to swim, they don’t need to be wearing a lifejacket. In reality, the majority of people who drown in boating accidents know how to swim and become incapacitated in the water. For example, if they get injured or unconscious, exhausted, or weighed down by clothing.
So far this year, six people have died in boating incidents, and another 22 people died in 2020. The four main factors for watercraft crashes are operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness, and speeding. Those accidents can all be prevented by having an attentive and experienced driver behind the boat. Another important thing to realize is that the leading cause of death on the water is drowning, which can also be easily prevented.
“Safety is an important part of water fun. Most drowning victims on Wisconsin waterbodies were not wearing life jackets,” said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR Boating Law Administrator. “Wisconsin rivers and lakes can be relaxing and family-friendly places to spend a summer day when you 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. Boating incident reports to date for 2021 and previous years are available online here.
Follow the basic safety tips below and enjoy making memories on the water.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
- Sign up now to take an online boater education course.
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket that has a snug fit and is fastened when you’re on or near the water. Life jackets will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, or a wave or current overpowers you or you fall out of a boat.
- Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person’s judgment, reaction time, and abilities.
- River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual’s boating, paddling, and swimming skills.
- Keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going.
Be ready for the unexpected and always wear your life jacket.
Have a great weekend and be careful out there!
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