By Sydney Weaver | KPCW | Photo Courtesy of Intermountain Health
As the weather warms and Utahns hit lakes and reservoirs, state recreation officials are emphasizing the importance of wearing a life jacket.
The reminder comes after recent fatal incidents where life jackets were either not worn or not available for everyone on board.
The Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation says these tragedies underscore a vital message: Life jackets save lives, but only if you wear them.
Utah law requires a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board a watercraft. That includes boats, paddleboards, canoes and kayaks.
Children 12 and younger must wear a lift jacket at all times. Though not required, recreation officials urge adults to do the same.
Read more at KPCW.org.
This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aims to inform readers across the state.