SC Wisconsin News

As summer arrives in the Upper Midwest, the region's lakes and rivers become popular spots for recreation. Safe Boating Week, observed from May 17 to 23, highlights the importance of water safety during this time.

Lt. Darren Kuhn, Boating Law Administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), stresses the necessity of life jackets. "Your biggest piece of safety equipment on a boat is your life jacket," he states. He notes that despite regulations requiring a wearable life jacket for each person on board, many boaters still violate this rule.

"Eighty percent of boating fatalities nationwide are a result of drowning, making it the number one cause of death in boating accidents," Lt. Kuhn warns. He urges consistent use of life jackets, stating, "When worn, they’re proven to work."

Jennifer Doering, an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant with Aspirus Health, supports Lt. Kuhn's message: “It’s important that we all have life jackets available, not just sitting nearby, but ready to use and preferably already on.” She advises supervising children closely while swimming and avoiding alcohol during boating or swimming activities.

Doering also highlights the need to check water depth before diving due to recent changes in weather affecting lake depths. "It's important to remember to check, especially before diving headfirst," she says.

Lt. Kuhn recommends additional precautions such as being cautious during busy periods with high boat traffic and reducing speed in unfamiliar areas. He advises against night boating due to reduced visibility and higher collision risks and stresses monitoring weather conditions.

He also warns against bow riding while the motor is running due to propeller injury risks and cautions about alcohol consumption on boats: “The other thing about alcohol is that people don’t realize how it affects people differently on the boat.”

Both Doering and Lt. Kuhn emphasize preparation and education. Lt. Kuhn encourages completing safety courses and familiarizing oneself with basic boating regulations. Doering suggests having a plan like choosing a designated boat operator when consuming alcohol.

“The days are long, so it's a good time to go out and enjoy it,” Doering remarks. She advises leaving enough time for travel without speeding and discussing who will be the designated driver when alcohol is involved.