Recreational Boating Safety Program announces focus on life jacket wear while paddling

The Recreational Boating Safety Program in Washington State is set to launch a significant campaign in 2025 aimed at increasing life jacket usage among paddlers. This initiative emerges from alarming statistics that reveal paddlesports accounted for 61% of boating fatalities from 2023 to 2024. Notably, 18 out of 22 paddlesport fatalities involved individuals not wearing life jackets. As part of the campaign, a survey will be conducted to better understand the safety behaviors of paddlers, which will inform future educational efforts. Derek VanDyke, a coordinator for the program, stressed the importance of wearing life jackets, stating that simply having one is not enough in emergencies.

Additionally, the program will continue its hands-on training for youth in underserved communities, helping them develop crucial paddling safety skills. This effort is part of Washington’s Paddle Safe Week, which has been promoting safety awareness for six years. The push for education and awareness seeks to foster a culture of safety around paddling, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.