Wisconsin DNR shares boating safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Memorial Day weekend often launches the boating season on local lakes and rivers.

Wisconsin ranks second in the country in the number of registered boats, and on Thursday, May 27, the state DNR conducted a virtual refresher course on boating safety.

A lot of the tips may sound obvious, but already this year, six people have died in Wisconsin in boating incidents -- 22 were killed last year. 

The first reminder from the DNR is to not only have a life jacket with you, but wear it and make sure it fits. 

"A life jacket, if properly worn, should be a little snug," said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR boating law administrator. "And it has to be fastened. If you're wearing your life jacket and it's not fastened, in the event that you go into the water, the life jacket's gonna come off."

Other safety tips -- avoid alcohol on the water, or at least have a "designate captain." Take a boating safety course. Boater inexperience is one factor in accidents. And pay attention to the weather and watch your speed. Don't go faster than a speed that's comfortable for you.