Boating Safety Saves Lives | Duluth News

Duluth News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 25, 2026 · 1m

Drowning is the top killer of toddlers and second for older kids — and Wisconsin’s stats are terrifying: 13 of last year’s 15 boating deaths happened without life jackets, and this year’s death toll is already 17. Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht compares life jackets to seatbelts — you don’t wait for disaster to wear one. Mandatory for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, and required by law on all boats with personal flotation devices — plus throwable devices on 16+ foot vessels. Rescue steps: reach first, throw a rope-equipped device next, and only swim out as a last resort — unless you’re…