CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Holland police are reminding canoeists and kayakers about the required use of life jackets begins Sunday.
According to Massachusetts law , all canoeists and kayakers must wear a life jacket while on the water from September 15th through May 15th however, it is safe and responsible to consistently wear a life jacket every time boaters are in the water.
Record warm summer nationally and in western Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, children under the age of 12 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a boat that is underway. From September 15 to May 15, canoeists/kayakers are required to wear a life jacket. Personal watercraft users and waterskiers must always wear a life jacket.
2023 Recreational Boating Statistics
Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2023-Ch1 Download
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 377 people who died in 2023 were caused by drowning. Out of those who drowned, 87 percent (319) were not wearing a life jacket.