Paddle Safe Week Is Here and Washington’s Numbers Make It Personal

parkswa.gov

It's Paddle Safe Week (July 22-28), and the best way to observe this time is to wear a life jacket every time your in, or on the water.

WA Law Requires All Vessels Must Have One Life Jacket Per Person on Board

State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Participants under the age of 12 are required to wear the life jacket at all times, but paddlers of all ages and even those with strong swimming skills are encouraged to wear a life jacket, due to the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Read More: A Backpack Full of Illegal Crab Got a WA Fisher in Serious Trouble

In 2025, Paddlesports Accounted for 12 of 26 Reportable Recreational Boating Deaths

According to the state's recreational recreational boating accident data, 75% were NOT wearing a life jacket. Participants under the age of 12 must wear the life jacket at ALL times.

Washington's Recreational Boating Safety Program Goal Is to:

Willard

• reduce accidents and fatalities
• increase stewardship of Washington waterways
• and keep recreational boating safe and enjoyable

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Life Jacket Loaner Stations Are Available and Provided at Various Locations

The Recreational Boating Safety Program supports state-wide Life Jacket Loaner Stations to increase the use of life jackets on the water. I do, too. When floating on the Yakima River, my husband was NOT wearing a life jacket, and we encountered an issue. Fortunately, I was able to assist and get him safely out of the river. It was a scary experience. Since that day, we ALWAYS wear life jackets.