Marine deputies caution memorial boaters to be prepared

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is asking boaters to take precautions this memorial weekend.

Deputies say often boaters hit the water unprepared. Half of Americans don’t know how to swim, contributing to at least one death in the county every year. Deputy Judd Aeschbacher said many accidents can be prevented with a life jacket.

“We just want to get the message out that every year we typically lose somebody, and we believe people can prevent that by wearing life jackets,” he said.

Deputies said boaters should keep this quick checklist in mind:

Certificate of Registration Onboard
Validation stickers displayed
Life Jackets
Type B-I Fire Extinguisher
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle or Bell
Daytime/ Night Time Visual Distress System
Navigation Lights

Aeschbacher said the No. 1 type of stress call he receives if from boaters who forget their plug after takeoff. He said this plug is hard to see, but failing to follow this precaution leads to water filling the boat and then the boat sinking.

You can contact the Idaho State Parks and Recreation for more information.