This weekend marks the unofficial end to summer, and it’s expected to draw thousands of New Mexicans out to their state parks and waterways. The Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department State Park Division sent out a reminder in a press release published Sept. 1 asking park visitors to wear life jackets.
Eleven people have died while boating in New Mexico since August of last year. Out of those, 75% died from drowning and most were not wearing a life jacket. Most of these deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not taken a boating safety course.
It’s equally important to wear a life jacket while swimming. Even strong swimmers have underestimated the water and overestimated their abilities. By then, it’s too late. Since August of last year, 5 people have drowned after voluntarily entering the water to wade or swim.
“Wear a life jacket every time you are on the water, regardless of the activity,” Scott Chalmers, State Parks Boating Safety and Education Program Coordinator, said. “Accidents can happen much too quickly to put on a life jacket. It should be U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the activity, and fit you properly.”
State law requires motorboat operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1989, to take and pass a boating safety course. The course is good for life and meets the requirements for boating safety education in many other states. It can also save people money on their boat insurance!
Courses are offered online and can be accessed by visiting the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department State Park Division's website at emnrd.nm.gov. In-person classes are offered by New Mexico State Parks for FREE statewide. Next year’s class schedule will be announced this winter.
Last year nearly 140,000 people visited all 35 New Mexico State Parks in the week leading up to Labor Day. The top three parks with the highest visitation were Elephant Butte Lake State Park, Navajo Lake State Park, and Ute Lake State Park.
New Mexico State Parks can be found in 25 of 33 counties. Camping spots can be reserved up to six months in advance on emery.nm.gov or reserveamerica.com.
