The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division and Hurricane City are partnering to increase life jacket use and improve water safety among paddle boarders and other recreational water users in Washington County.
The Life Jacket Education and Enforcement Initiative, also known as the Life Jacket Blitz, will combine public education, community outreach, media awareness, and targeted enforcement to reduce preventable water-related incidents at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks starting Labor Day Weekend and running through the month of September.
Whether paddleboarding, kayaking, boating or enjoying another activity on the water, conditions can change quickly, and even strong swimmers can find themselves in trouble. Wearing a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket provides an important layer of protection when the unexpected happens.
Water safety is a shared responsibility, and taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference. Before heading out on the water, outdoor recreationists are encouraged to ensure they have the proper safety equipment, understand applicable boating and life jacket requirements, and wear their life jacket.
The initiative recognizes that water safety is a shared responsibility. By bringing everyone together, the program aims to educate recreational users before an emergency occurs. A life jacket may be uncomfortable, inconvenient, or easy to leave behind—but wearing one can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
WEAR IT UTAH!
To learn more about Utah's state parks, visit stateparks.utah.gov. For boating laws and rules, visit recreation.utah.gov.
