11 Tips for Water & Boating Safety

Kansas’ lakes, reservoirs, and rivers draw thousands of visitors every year. To help everyone enjoy these spaces safely, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks—along with Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Safe Kids Kansas—encourages all boaters, paddlers, and swimmers to follow these eleven essential safety practices.

1. Wear a Life Jacket

A life jacket only works when it’s worn. Accidents happen fast, and there’s rarely time to find and put one on. Kansas law requires one properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal floatation device (PFD) be readily accessible for every person on board, and children 12 and younger must wear one at all times. KDWP strongly recommends adults do the same.

2. Designate a Water Watcher

Even strong swimmers and people wearing lifejackets need active supervision. A Water Watcher is a responsible adult assigned to give swimmers undivided attention. Because drowning is often quick and silent, this person stays focused on the water—no phones, no conversations, no multitasking. Rotate the role every 10–15 minutes to prevent fatigue and ensure someone is always actively watching. Using a Water Watcher card can help make the role clear within your group.

3. Learn CPR

Knowing adult, child, and infant CPR can save a life. Local hospitals, fire departments, recreation centers, and Red Cross chapters offer low‑cost or free classes.

4. Know How to Safely Help Someone in Distress

Many drowning deaths occur when someone attempts a rescue without proper precautions. Jumping into the water—especially without a life jacket—can quickly turn one emergency into two. Instead, follow these steps in order:

• Reach: Extend a long object (pole, paddle, branch, fishing net handle) to the person in distress and pull them to safety.
• Throw: If reaching isn’t possible, throw a rope, life ring, or flotation device the person can grab.
• Row: Use a boat or paddlecraft to approach the person if throwing isn’t effective. Keep the vessel stable and bring them aboard or hand them a flotation device.
• Go (Last Resort Only): Enter the water only after putting on a life jacket, and bring a spare flotation device with you. Never attempt an in‑water rescue without wearing a life jacket yourself.

5. Follow a Strict No Drinking While Boating Rule

Boating under the influence is just as dangerous and illegal as driving under the influence. Alcohol and water are a dangerous combination. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, balance, coordination, and reaction time, plus sun, wind, and waves can intensify its effects. Boating under the influence carries serious penalties, including fines, loss of boating privileges, and even jail time. Make the safe choice by waiting until you're back on shore before enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Your decisions could save your life, and the lives of everyone on board.

6. Allow Only Trained Operators to Drive the Vessel

Kansas law requires anyone age 12–20 to complete an approved boater education course before operating a motorized vessel without direct adult supervision. No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel alone, regardless of certification.

7. Know the Rules of the Water

Understanding buoy markers, navigation lights, right‑of‑way rules, and speed restrictions prevents dangerous situations. Review Kansas boating regulations before launching.

9. Prevent Hypothermia

Water in Kansas can be cold enough to cause hypothermia, even on warm days and especially in the spring and fall. Cold water quickly robs the body of heat, reducing strength, coordination, and the ability to stay afloat or swim back to safety. Wearing a properly fitted life jacket is one of the best ways to increase your chances of survival if you unexpectedly end up in the water, as it helps keep your head above water and conserves energy while awaiting rescue.

Children are especially vulnerable to hypothermia. If you're swimming, limit your time in cold water and watch for signs such as shivering, confusion, or slurred speech. If someone shows signs of hypothermia, get them out of the water immediately, and warm them gradually with dry clothing or blankets while seeking medical attention if needed.

8. Teach Safe Swimming Habits

Swimming in open water is very different from swimming in a pool. Teach children how to tread water, float, and stay close to shore. Make sure everyone swims only in designated swim areas, where hazards are monitored and marked. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a properly fitted life jacket whenever they are in or near the water.

Kansas lakes and reservoirs can have uneven bottoms, sudden drop‑offs, underwater trees and rocks, and even currents (yes, Kansas reservoirs have currents, especially near inflows and outflows). Weather can also change quickly, creating waves or reducing visibility. Stay alert, stay within designated areas, and make sure children understand how to recognize and avoid hazards.

10. Check for Blue‑Green Algae Advisories Before You Swim

Blue‑green algae blooms can produce toxins that are dangerous for people and pets. Before heading to the lake, check KDHE's current blue-green algae advisories. Avoid water that looks discolored, has surface scum, or smells unpleasant. And never let pets drink or swim in water under an advisory.

11. Check Your Boat’s Required Equipment

Before launching, confirm your vessel has all legally required equipment and is in good working order. This includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, a horn or whistle, and other safety gear. Taking a few minutes to inspect your equipment before every trip can help prevent emergences and ensure you're prepared if one occurs.

Bonus Tip: Respect Kansas's Fickle Weather

People make jokes about Kansas weather for a reason. A calm, sunny afternoon can quickly turn into strong winds, rough water, lightning, or a fast-moving thunderstorm. Before heading out, check the forecast and continue watching the sky throughout the day. If you hear thunder, see lightning, or notice dark clouds building, head to shore immediately and don't wait for the storm to reach you. When swimming, get out of the water at the first sign of lightning and wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before returning.