Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging Colorado residents and out-of-state visitors to stay safe while having fun this holiday weekend by wearing a personal flotation device, which is also known as a life jacket.

In an email, Parks and Wildlife is reminding recreationists that paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, which means life jacket requirements apply. It also wrote that the majority of water-related deaths this year occurred because “people did not wear a life jacket.”

So far this year, there have been 20 water-related deaths across Colorado. In 2022, Parks and Wildlife recorded 42 water-related deaths, a state record.

The email also writes that the agency’s officers are actively writing tickets for boaters and paddlers who are not wearing life jackets.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife shared the following tips for water recreation this weekend:

• Dress appropriately for cold waters.
• Heavy rain or snow melt in the mountains can raise water levels quickly, so check river flows beforehand.
• Individuals should only boat or paddle in conditions they feel comfortable and confident in.
• Avoid floating alone.
• Anyone interested in rafting, but needs help navigating the water, is encouraged to hire a Colorado-licensed river outfitter.