Be A Lifesaver - Place A Life Jacket Under The Holiday Tree

The holiday season is here and people looking for the perfect gift for someone who likes to fish or boat, can solve the gift-giving dilemma by giving a new life jacket, float coat or buoyant boat cushion. "Today's life jackets and float coats are more comfortable than ever before," said Rick Cooper, conservation officer with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. "There's no reason a boater - whether for pleasure or fishing - shouldn't be wearing one at all times while on the water." While there is a staggering selection of life jackets and other flotation devices on the market, new inflatable life jackets are readily available and reasonably priced. Most resemble a fat pair of suspenders. Others are worn like a fanny pack. Both models are lightweight and comfortable. Federal and state boating laws require all boats, including canoes and kayaks, to carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board. Boats that are 16 feet or more in length must also carry at least one throwable, approved flotation device such as a buoyant seat cushion or ring. By mid-December 2001, eight people have drowned in boating accidents in Idaho. The vast majority were not wearing life jackets and happened while people were enjoying smaller, non-motorized boats such as canoes and kayaks.