Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds all boaters that from October 1 – May 31, Connecticut law requires anyone using a manually propelled vessel – such as a kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard  or rowboat – to wear a proper fitting life jacket at all times.

While the fall boating season offers many outstanding boating and fishing opportunities, the risk of being injured or dying increases as water temperatures decline.  Although there may be some ideal boating days still ahead, the lower sun angles and shorter daylight hours cause the temperatures of the state’s waters to drop – meaning that immersion into cold water can cause serious injury or death due to hypothermia.

Statistics compiled every year by the U.S. Coast Guard show that the large majority of boating fatalities are the result of people drowning because they are not wearing life jackets.  While wearing a life jacket does not guarantee a person’s survival, it significantly increases your chances of surviving a boating accident.

“At this time of year, it is more important than ever to take proper safety precautions to minimize the chances of going into the water – and to be prepared for immersion if you do,” said Mike Lambert, DEEP Outdoor Recreation Bureau Chief. “People out on our rivers, lakes and Long Island Sound should be aware that cold water can create an extremely unforgiving environment.  Wearing a life jacket saves lives.”

Boating is serious fun, plan to keep it that way.