Boat Sober On The Water Over the 4th of July

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds Wisconsinites and visitors to put safety first by boating sober and wearing a life jacket when they cast off. Nearly 80% of fatal boating incidents involve drowning. Drowning can happen to even the most experienced swimmers. Most people who drown in boating accidents know how to swim, but become incapacitated in the water, such as being injured, unconscious, exhausted, or weighted down by clothing. Alcohol is a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities. So far this year, two people have died from boating incidents in Wisconsin. In 2022, there were 20 boating deaths.