Life jackets float away as divers work alongside the Ethan Allen after they raised it from the bottom of Lake George in upstate New York, Monday, Oct. 3, 2005. The captain of the 40-foot glass-enclosed boat told authorities it was hit by waves from at least one other vessel and turned over as he tried to steer out of them, authorities said earlier Monday. The boat flipped so fast that none of the 47 passengers -- all senior citizens, most of them from Michigan -- could put on a life jacket. (AP Photo/The Schenectady Daily Gazette, Meredith L. Kaiser)

MICHIGAN — The sparkling waters of the Great Lakes as well as inland bodies are tantalizing this time of year — but can also be dangerous. Pleasure-seekers and anglers on boats small and large should be aware of the risks and take precautions.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics from 2024 (the latest available), drowning is the cause of death in 76% of boating-related fatalities, and 69% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction.

People in canoes and kayaks — small, accessible for casual use — make up a lot of boating-related deaths. Where length was known, four of every five boaters who drowned were aboard vessels less than 21 feet in length, the 2024 statistics show.

The following are rules the wise and lawful boater who wants to live will follow:

Wear a life jacket

Be prepared for the worst; accidents are never planned. Of people who drowned in a boating-related fatality, 87% were not wearing a life jacket.

Legally, in Michigan, children under six years old must wear a life jacket while a boat is moving. Everyone on board must have one at least with them, if not on.

If a boat is over 16 feet long, it must also carry at least one readily-accessible USCG-approved throwable flotation device.

Boat sober

Alcohol use consistently ranks as the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 20% of deaths, according to the USCG.

Alcohol and other intoxicants can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. They can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion.

Check vessel before it hits water

If the boat is equipped with navigation lights, ensure they work. Make sure the cabin has appropriate ventilation to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning.

A first aid kit, nautical chart and an anchor should be kept aboard.

Share the plan

Inform someone on shore about details of your trip, including where you will be boating and the route you plan to travel, how long you will be gone and when you plan to return.

Confirm the number for the local emergency dispatch center and U.S. Coast Guard in case you don’t return on time.

Stay alert

People on board any vessel must watch for other boats, swimmers, skiers and objects in the water. Extra attention should be paid at night and in other low-visibility conditions, as well as in high-traffic waterways.

Carry a cell phone or marine radio

Be prepared to call for help if you are involved in or witness an accident, your boat or the boat of another becomes disabled, or you need medical assistance.

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This list was compiled by the Daily Press primarily using tips from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and statistics from the United States Coast Guard as well as other sources.