South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Encourages Boaters to Wear Life Jackets

By Vanessa Torres

South Dakota -(Ammoland.com)- As warm weather finally sets in, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) would like to remind boaters of important safety procedures when spending time on the water.

“It’s tempting not to wear a life jacket while on the water; especially on nice days,” said Brandon Gust, GFP boating law administrator. “It’s hot, you think you are a strong swimmer or you want to get some sun. There is never an excuse to not wear a lifejacket. “

According to recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, drowning was the reported cause of death in three-fourths of all boating fatalities in 2013. Of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing their life jackets. The North American Safe Boating Campaign, “Wear It!” is a yearlong effort focusing on spreading the message of boating safety and the critical importance of always wearing a life jacket.

“Each year hundreds of people lose their lives in boating accidents,” said Gust. “You never know when there may be a boating mishap, so it is …read more

Source:: AmmoLand