Hugh Carey / hcarey@summitdaily.com
This designated week kicks off this year’s Safe Boating Campaign, reminding people to always wear a life jacket and boat responsibly. With a great boating season ahead in Colorado, it’s important to remember that safety on the water starts with you.
As a kickoff to National Safe Boating Week, CPW and the Safe Boating Campaign encourage everyone to participate in “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day” on Friday, May 17. This day aims to heighten awareness of the different types of life jackets available, demonstrating their comfort and versatility by wearing them to work. Members of the boating public, as well as those interested in showing the wearability of life jackets, are encouraged to participate.
Safety on the water is crucial during boating season and CPW wants boaters to be prepared for the summer season ahead. With an above average snowpack this season, high water levels are anticipated across the state that may lead to hazardous conditions. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and there is never a reason to not follow safety guidelines while boating.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2017 and that approximately 85% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Life jackets are available for every boating activity, and boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers wear one at all times while on the water.
To learn more about boating in Colorado, please visit the CPW boating page at SafeBoatingCampaign.com.