
National Safe Boating Week May 16-22
Boating is fun, but it’s important that it's also safe. Whether it’s a fishing boat, a canoe or kayak, or a personal watercraft, there are some basic safety tips that apply to all.
According to the National Safe Boating Council, learning to swim is one of the most important ways to stay safe on the water. But even expert swimmers can get into trouble. It’s important to be sure that everyone in the watercraft is wearing a life jacket.
“Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show that watercraft accident victims are more likely to survive if they are wearing a life jacket,” says Janet Chestnut, M.D., Emergency Department director at Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls. “There are excellent models of life jackets that are comfortable and easy to put, so there really is no excuse not to wear one.”
Here are some additional tips to make your fun on the water safer:
"While you are enjoying your time on the water, remember these safety tips to ensure that you and everyone in your watercraft is safe and can enjoy the time together," adds Dr. Chestnut.
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