As summer temperatures rise arrow, more and more people find their entertainment on the water. Unfortunately, the rain and spring floods have raised water levels, and many people have already lost their lives on Montana's rivers this year.

According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury. People of all ages and this placement ranks second for children ages 14 and under.

Potentially, half of all boating-related deaths could be avoided with the use of life jackets. Watching children closely while they swim is not enough to prevent the unthinkable, and even lifejackets are not a panacea if they are not used properly.

"It's vital that everyone wears the right size lifejacket during the recreation on the water," said Sara Smith, FWP's boat education coordinator, in a recent press release. "Too big a jacket can easily slip."

To properly fit a lifejacket, hold your arms straight over your head and have a friend grab the top of the arm openings and gently pull on them. Make sure there is no room over the openings and the jacket does not come up on your chin or face.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has some additional tips for keeping everyone safe on the water. play in or around the water. Have children playing near the water wear lifejackets as there may be steep drop offs that you are not aware of.

Do not consider your children "protected against drowning" because you have enrolled them in swimming lessons. A child who falls into the water unexpectedly can panic and forget the swimming techniques learned.

Always swim with a friend. Never swim alone or unattended.

Know local weather conditions and forecasts before swimming or boating. Strong winds and lightning storms are dangerous for swimmers and boaters.

Do not use air filled toys or foam, such as water wings, noodles or inner tubes, instead of life jackets. These are toys and they are not designed to keep a swimmer safe.

When boating, children under 12 must wear a lifejacket approved by the US Coast Guard, but it is recommended that everyone on the boat wear a lifejacket.

Jumping cliffs or bridges is dangerous because of shallow water, submerged rocks, trees or other hazards. Never dive your head in the water first.

Never drink alcohol before or while swimming or boating. Never drink alcohol while watching children

For more information on boating safety, contact Sara Smith, FWP Boat Education Coordinator, at 406-444 -9948 or [email protected]

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