ILLINOIS, Ill. (WCIA) — It can be tempting to forgo wearing a life jacket while boating, particularly on pleasant days. However, the Illinois State Fire Marshal cautions boaters that one can never be overly safe on the water.
According to the fire marshal’s office on Facebook, drowning accounted for 75% of boating fatalities in 2022. Among those fatalities, 85% of the victims who drowned were not wearing a life jacket.
If you’re planning on boating this summer, whether that’s during Memorial Day or not, make sure to follow these tips to stay safe and have fun:
- Always wear a life jacket
- Make sure your life jacket is a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Check Equipment: Make sure all safety gear is on board and in working condition
- Let a trusted friend or family member know your boating plans and return time
- Use or Attach an Engine Cut-Off Switch: This proven lifesaving device stops the boat’s engine if the operator unexpectedly falls overboard.
- Monitor the weather
- Be Aware of Surroundings: According to the latest U.S. Coast Guard statistics, operator inattention and improper lookout are the top two primary contributing factors in boating accidents
- Follow Speed Regulations
- Never Boat Under the Influence
- Communication is Key: Keep communication devices like cell phones, satellite phones, EPIRBs, personal locator beacons, or VHF radios on hand in case of an emergency
