05/27/2026
As National Safe Boating Week comes to a close, a quick reminder that even with warmer air temperatures, lake temperatures are still cold!
NHSP-Marine Patrol recommends that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket readily accessible, but wear it at all times while boating. Accidents on the water happen too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 76% of boating deaths are due to drowning, 87% of victims were not wearing a life jacket, and 2/3 of drowning victims are good swimmers.
Wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the simplest life-saving strategy for recreational boaters. Learn more at safeboatingcampaign.com/life-jackets