During the Memorial Day weekend, many families will go to lakes and rivers in Northern California. However, a day on the water can be dangerous if people aren't ready.
California State Parks wants to remember people to think about safety when they are out on the rivers in our area.
As part of a water safety event held with the Division of Boating and Waterways on Lake Natoma in Folsom on Friday afternoon, the agency gave away free life jackets to both adults and children.
"Life jackets save lives," said California State Parks Sergeant Ryan Steele.
Lake Natoma is a favorite place for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
"The biggest problem is that people don't wear life jackets when they're supposed to, so we have to go save them. "The cold water especially scares them, and then they don't know what to do or how to react," Steele said.
Under California law, children under 13 must wear life jackets when they are on boats. Experts on water safety said it was also important for people to wear them.
"It's very important, especially for a grown-up with kids. Shelly Alves, the owner of Nor Cal SUP, said, "You have to take care of yourself first. That's first and most important, so that you're okay, safe, and able to take care of your kids." "If you go out alone, this water is so cold that it will make you gasp for air."
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