Each year hundreds of people lose their lives in boating incidents, and they may still be alive if they had been wearing a life jacket. U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities, and that 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Missouri and South Carolina are tied for 10th with 17 deaths for the Top-Ranking States for Boating Deaths. The top state is Florida with 52 deaths. Missouri comes in at #9 for Top-Ranking States for Reported Boating Accidents with 109.

According to these  U.S. Coast Guard’s 2015 Recreational Boating Safety Statistics, drowning was reported as the cause of death in three-fourths of all fatalities, and
approximately 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

With 11,867,049 registered recreational boats in the U.S., where the primary cause was known, alcohol was listed as the leading factor in 17% of deaths.

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting, and are much cooler in the warmer weather.

Make sure you're not a statistic this year. Wearing a life jacket is the simplest life-saving strategy for safe recreational boating.

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