May 20. As National Safe Boating Week gets under way, we want to thank state, county and local lake patrol officers for their efforts, not just to keep us safe, but to lend a hand in the case of a calamity on the water.

In 2020, three-quarters of boating deaths were drownings, and nearly seven out of every eight drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

—In addition, avoid using alcohol or drugs when operating a boat. Alcohol continues to be a significant contributing factor in boating deaths, and its effects are compounded by water movement, exposure to the elements and dynamic operating conditions.

—Wearing an engine cut-off switch link will stop the boat’s engine in the event the operator falls overboard, protecting everyone from vessel and propeller strikes.

National Safe Boating Week is the seven-day period before Memorial Day weekend.