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Water safety tips in time for Memorial Day

As you prepare for camping this Memorial Day weekend, we want to make sure you are aware of water dangers. Boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing- there are tons of activities you can do at your local rivers and reservoirs.

Though we may do the same outdoor activities every year, we still need to be reminded of certain water dangers.

Bonneville County Marine Deputy Michael Vasquez performs his routine boat checks, to make sure everyone is following regulations. Are life jackets easily accessible? Are children in the boat wearing life jackets? Does your boat have updated registration? And do you have a fire extinguisher on board?

“Sometimes people have their life jackets stowed away in places that are hard to reach or behind curtains. And if you were in a water emergency you’re not going to have time to get the life jacket. So we want to make sure that we preach to them, readily accessible- proper size and fit,” said Vasquez.

If you need an extra safety vest, some places near lakes and rivers offer floatation devices you can borrow.

“Each ramp here and at Palisades have the loner station, there a great asset and a tool,” said Vasquez.

If you plan to go boating of fishing by yourself, be sure to notify someone of your location and when you plan to come back. This will allow search crews to come to your aid quicker if you are in a dangerous situation or become stranded.

Please be patient and courtesy to those around you, no matter if your boating and someone else is fishing.

To get a checklist of boating safety regulations visit http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/boating

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