Water Safety Tips for Labor Day Weekend in Montana

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – Summer is quickly coming to an end and Labor Day weekend may be your last chance to get on the water before fall. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to remind people that they have to share the water with other boaters. Last year, more than 100,000 boats were registered, and that doesn’t include non-motorized boats.

Safety is always important when boating, but FWP has some tips to help ensure your Labor Day boating adventure is successful and safe.

You must never drive a boat under the influence of alcohol

Alcohol consumption is the most important known factor in fatal boating accidents. Where the primary cause was known, alcohol was cited as the primary factor in 17 percent of deaths. It is imperative that you have a designated sober driver for your boat.

Always wear a life jacket

According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, in 2023, 87 percent of drowning victims in boating accidents where the cause of death was known were not wearing a life jacket. According to FWP, children under 12 are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times while boating. Not all life jackets are genuine. Make sure your life jacket has a label that says “US Coast Guard Approved.”

All boats can be dangerous

According to Montana’s boating accident report database, between 70 and 75 percent of fatal boating accidents in Montana occur on non-motorized watercraft. This includes rafts, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and rowboats. According to FWP, you are required by law to have a life jacket handy when using these boats.

Even if you are using a non-motorized watercraft, it is strongly recommended that you wear your life jacket. According to FWP, four out of five boaters who drowned were using boats less than 21 feet long.

READ MORE: Montana FWP explains proper boating etiquette

pay attention

Finally, FWP mentioned that the top five causes of accidents are operator inattention, lack of attention, operator inexperience, excessive speed and machine failure.

For more information on boating safety, click here.