Ask Fish and Game: Life jackets save lives

Q. Are waterfowl hunters required to wear life jackets in a boat? A. Idaho law requires a life jacket on board for every passenger, and a throw-able personal floatation device is required in boats more than 16 feet long. Occupants 14 and under in a boat 19 feet long or less are required to wear a life jacket if the boat is under way. Personal flotation devices must be Coast Guard approved, properly sized, and in good condition (no broken buckles, torn straps, rips, or tears). They must also be within easy reach. Remember, life jackets only save lives if they are worn. Overloaded boats and failure to wear life jackets are leading reasons Idaho typically loses waterfowl hunters each year. In the past ten years, nearly 67 percent of the fatal boating accidents in Idaho were the result of victims involuntarily entering the water from small boats. Wearing one will help preserve body heat and can greatly increase your chances of surviving a fall into cold water.