As National Safe Boating Week begins, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding boaters across the state to prioritize safety on the water following dozens of boating fatalities reported in recent years.

According to LDWF, Louisiana recorded 87 boating fatalities between 2021 and 2025, with victims averaging approximately 50 years of age. So far in 2026, the state has already recorded five boating-related deaths.

Wildlife officials say many of the fatalities shared several common factors, including failure to wear life jackets, alcohol use, and lack of boating safety education.

State data shows:

81 percent of boating fatality victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD)

Alcohol was involved in 26 percent of fatalities

75 percent of those involved had not completed boating education courses

LDWF officials are encouraging all boaters to wear life jackets and ensure every vessel carries enough personal flotation devices for all passengers onboard.

Under Louisiana law, children age 16 and younger are required to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels less than 26 feet in length.

The department also reminded residents that boating while intoxicated carries the same legal penalties as operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

To help improve safety awareness, LDWF continues offering free boating safety education courses across the state.

Officials say National Safe Boating Week serves as an important reminder for families and outdoor enthusiasts to remain cautious as boating activity increases heading into the busy summer season and Memorial Day weekend.

Additional boating safety information and course registration details are available through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

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