News Release

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area Reminds Everyone to Wear Your Life Jacket

Date: July 16, 2019
Contact: Denise Bausch, 509-754-7830

With summer in full swing and temperatures rising at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, the National Park Service would like to remind visitors to wear their life jackets when they are in, on, and around the water.  

Whether you’re swimming or boating, here are some statistics to keep in mind. The majority of people who drown were not wearing a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard statistics show 84.5 percent of drownings that occurred in 2017 may have been preventable if they had been wearing a life jacket. Over half of the drowning victims never intended to be in the water. Most drowning victims knew how to swim. It’s also not good enough to “have it on the boat” when it only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown and 60 seconds for an adult. A life jacket only works if you wear it.

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting, and are much cooler in the warmer weather.

Some important reminders about life jackets:
 

• Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved.
• Take the time to ensure a proper fit.
• Check your life jacket is in good serviceable condition, with no tears or holes.
• Double check that your life jacket is appropriate for your favorite water activities.

For more information, please visit https://safeboatingcampaign.com/life-jackets/.