Enjoy boating while being careful

Wisconsin residents are quite excited for boating as it has 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers. Boating has many things associated with it. It's a good option when it comes to having fun or searching for yummy meal. Sometimes, a watercraft is required to get from one place to another.

Plenty of water in Wisconsin creates different boating opportunities, along with many responsibilities. State and national officials are telling boaters regarding keys to safety on the water.

According to Roy Zellmer, boating safety administrator for the Department of Natural Resources, "Boating can be a lot of fun. But it's only fun if everyone returns safe and sound at the end of the day". National Safe Boating Week is being celebrated from May 16 to 22.

According to the US Coast Guard, there were 610 boating fatalities last year that were recorded across the country; it was second lowest on the record. According to data from the DNR, Wisconsin officials reported eight boating fatalities in 2014, down from 12 in 2013 and less than the average of nearly 19 since 2008.

'Wear It!', an educational programs by the North American Safe Boating Campaign and enforcement activities like Operation Dry Water help cut the number of intoxicated boaters in addition to improving safety on the water.

However, according to boating safety officials, there is need for constant attention and improvement. According to Capt. Jon Burton, director of inspections and compliance at the US Coast Guard, life jackets should be used and navigational knowledge and safe, sober boating is required. According to the Coast Guard, alcohol use was the major factor in fatal boating accidents in 2014. It was considered the main factor in 21% of the deaths.