The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks kicked off National Safe Boating Week with a reminder about the importance of wearing personal flotation devices, or PFDs. The agency shared photos of staff donning life jackets and enjoying ice cream to highlight that boating safety can be fun.
The department emphasized that boaters should ensure their life jackets are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The approval label is printed on the inside of the jacket. State law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway.
Officials also advised boaters to select properly fitting life jackets that fit snugly when fastened. Maintenance is key; life jackets should be free of rips, waterlogging, or mildew before use, and should be dried after each trip.
The department plans to share additional safety tips and reminders throughout the week. The message is simple: Wear your life jacket every trip, every time, to stay safe on the water.
