05/19/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2023 11:05
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California State Parks' Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) kicks off the official boating season in California in coordination with National Safe Boating Week held May 20-26, 2023. DBW encourages all boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible. One of the important safety measures to take while boating is wearing life jackets.
"With the weather warming up, the snow melting from this year's historic snowpack and boaters heading out to the water, it is crucial that life jackets are worn at all times while boating," said DBW's Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. "Just like you wear your seatbelt in the car, wearing a life jacket while boating is one layer of prevention to avoid unnecessary tragedy."
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2021 and that 83% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
Newer styles of life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish compared to the bulky, orange life jackets that boaters used to know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, that are much cooler in the warmer weather and allow mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting.
Here are some helpful tips for selecting and maintaining life jackets:
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.