This Summer, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Recreational Boat Safety Patrol are out to educate and enforce boating safety.
They’re stressing the importance of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), or life jackets.
Deputy Michael King says twelve people have died operating paddle crafts without life jackets so far in 2021.
“This year in particular we’re having quite a bit of trouble with paddle craft and life jackets,” says King. “If everybody was watching right now my number one safety tip would be have a life jacket, wear a life jacket.”
He says while boater education is important, there’s really only one thing that will save your life on the water.
“Boater education’s not going to save your life. Having a fire extinguisher isn’t going to particularly save your life,” says King. “But if your boat goes down or you go in the water, a life jacket will.”
If you’re on the water without a life jacket, you could face a 99 dollar fine.