Utilize safe boating practices this Labor Day weekend

With boaters and water enthusiasts heading to California’s waterways for summer’s last hurrah this Labor Day weekend, the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding everyone to take extra precautions to prevent a tragic outing. Wearing a life jacket is the number one way that someone can increase his or her chances of surviving a boating-related accident.

California’s recreational boating statistics repeatedly show the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day to have the most accidents and account for 15 percent of accidents each year. The majority of drowning victims are often found not wearing life jackets. Nationwide, the U.S. Coast Guard reports that three out of four boating fatalities could have been prevented if the victims had been wearing life jackets.

Many of today’s life jackets are lightweight, easy to move in, and come in many sizes, styles, and shapes for every person and every sport. No matter what type of life jacket is chosen, it is important that a life jacket fits properly. Life jackets designed for adults will not work for children.

Below are some other tips on life jacket use: Coast Guard-Approved:

Only approved life jackets should be used on the water, and boaters may be cited for lacking proper equipment.

All life jackets approved for use by the Coast Guard will have an approval number located on the inside label.

Proper Fit: Life jacket sizes come with weight or chest measurements, and should fit snug rather than purchased to allow a wearer to “grow into.” A small life jacket may not provide enough flotation to keep a person afloat. One that is too large can slip off upon entry into the water or could ride up around the face and obstruct breathing.

Intended Boating Activity: Always check the life jacket label to ensure it is approved for the intended boating activity. Good Condition: Check the life jacket before using to ensure it is in good condition. Jackets with rips, tears, mildew, loose or missing straps, frayed webbing, broken zippers or buckles, hardened stuffing or faded label instructions lose their strength and buoyancy and must be replaced.