DNR reminds public how to stay safe while boating this holiday weekend

MADISON, Wis. -- Labor Day and boating are a perfect match, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources outlined two crucial elements on what everyone needs to keep in mind when boating.

The Wisconsin DNR said boating sober and wearing a life jacket are crucial to fun on the water.

There have been 13 boating-related deaths so far this season, 9 of which were confirmed not to be wearing life jackets. The law requires one wearable and correctly sized life jacket be readily available for each person aboard.

"Alcohol use and poor decision making are the two biggest contributing factors that lead to boating-related incidents," said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR boating law administrator.

State law requires all people born after Jan. 1, 1989 to take a boater education course before they are legally able to operate a motorboat.

The DNR outlined how to stay safe this holiday weekend.

• Slow down at night
• Check your navigation lights before the sun goes down. All motorboats are required to have red/green navigation lights and white all-around lights when operating after sunset.
• Slow down if visibility is an issue or boating on unfamiliar waterways.
• Keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going.

More boating safety tips can be found on the DNR website.

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