Wear A Life Jacket, Boat Responsibly This Holiday Weekend

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all residents and visitors planning water activities as part of their Memorial Day weekend to wear their life jackets whenever on water.

The DNR anticipates an increase in boating, paddling and watersport activities heading into Memorial Day weekend, possibly for the first time this year.

Before the outings and while still on land, review the safety tips. The top safety tip is to always wear your life jacket on the water, and make sure there are life jackets for all on board the vessel. Accidents happen fast, and individuals can become exhausted or weighed down by wet clothing or gear.

So far in 2025, there have been three boating fatalities in Wisconsin, and two victims were confirmed not wearing life jackets. In 2024, there were 14 boating fatalities, 10 of which involved a victim not wearing a life jacket. Operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness and speeding are the four leading causes of tragic watercraft crashes, with the leading cause of death being drowning.

The DNR does not track all drownings – only those fatalities linked to the use of a recreational activity item, such as a boat, kayak or canoe. The DNR’s Boating Incident Report webpage contains information on all boating fatality reports.

Statistics show boaters who wear life jackets and take boater safety courses are most likely to stay safe on Wisconsin waters. 

Today’s life jacket styles and colors are far from the bulky orange vests of the past. They are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish. There also are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, which allow greater mobility for fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in warm weather.

Follow the safety tips below and enjoy Wisconsin's great lakes and rivers with family and friends.

• Sign up now to take an online boater education course.
• Always wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket when on or near the water. A life jacket will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a wave or current overpower you or you fall out of a boat.
• Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person's judgment, reaction time and abilities.
• River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual's boating, paddling and swimming skills.
• Keep an eye on the weather and always tell someone where you are going.
• Create a float plan and tell people when and where you plan to depart and return before going for a float or paddle.

Be ready for the unexpected and always wear your life jacket. Learn more about watersport safety on the DNR’s Boat Safety webpage.