DOTHAN, Ala. — With summer weather heating up, officials are reminding Wiregrass residents to make water safety a top priority.
Boaters are urged to wear life jackets every time they hit the water. According to national data, drowning is the leading cause of death in four out of every five boating fatalities—and in most cases, the victims were not wearing life jackets.
The warning comes as lakes, rivers, and coastal spots are expected to see more traffic over the Memorial Day weekend and into the summer months.
Authorities say wearing a life jacket is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent tragedy on the water.
Whether you’re going out on a boat, kayak, or jet ski, safety experts say it’s not enough to just have a life jacket on board—it needs to be worn at all times.
For more tips on water safety, visit weather.gov/safety/safeboating.
