Boating safety program to focus on life jackets for paddlers

OLYMPIA — Paddle sports, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, are among the most popular activities in Washington State. A Recreation and Conservation Office study showed 52% of survey respondents participate in paddle sports, up 28% from a 2017 study.

Rising safety incidents show the importance of education on paddle sport safety. Paddle sports account for 61% of reportable boating fatalities between 2023 and 2024. Out of 22 paddle sport fatalities, 18 occurred when the individual was not wearing a life jacket.

In response, the Recreational Boating Safety Program has a new campaign on life jacket use while paddling built around Washington’s Paddle Safe Week.

The new campaign kicks off with a survey open to Washington residents to better understand the safety habits of recreators on the water. The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete, and the data will help inform education and safety efforts by the program in years to come.

“What folks might not know when getting out on the water is they are required to carry a life jacket with them by law,” said Derek VanDyke, Recreational Safety Education Coordinator. “But having it with you won’t save a life in case of an emergency — you have to wear it.”

A motorized boat operator must take a boating safety course and obtain a boater education card. Participants in paddle sports do not have similar requirements and may not be aware of laws and safety practices on the water.

A hands-on, youth training program on kayaking safety skills is entering its fourth year. The Recreational Boating Safety Program, funded by a Washington State “No Child Left Inside” grant, partners with local organizations to host Paddle Safe courses. The course focuses on underserved and rural areas statewide and has taught over 1,175 kids to paddle safely, be a community safety advocate, and provide participants with life jackets to take home.

Paddlers of all ages are encouraged to be role models in their community by always wearing life jackets. Creating a safety culture around paddling will keep the sport safe and enjoyable.

About the Recreational Boating Safety Program

The Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program works statewide to keep boaters safe and informed of applicable regulations. In addition to Recreational Boating Safety, the Boating Program trains and certifies Marine Law Enforcement programs across the state and administers the Clean Vessel Act to fund pump-out stations that keep Washington waters clean.