Why You Will See More LDWF Agents on Louisiana Waters This Week

Tomorrow marks the start of National Safe Boating Week and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is planning to be out in force to honor the occasion.

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LDWF states that the week, which signifies the beginning of spring and summer boating season, will run from May 16-22, and especially during this time, the agency is reminding all boaters to be safe, responsible and knowledgeable while on the water. Safe Boating Week is a time for all boaters to inspect their vessels to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and that vessels are in good working condition.

Agents of the LDWF Enforcement Division will be out all over Louisiana this week performing boating safety checks that include making sure all personal flotation device (PFD) regulations are being followed and that each vessel has a sober operator.

Between the years 2021-25, there were 87 recreational boating fatalities with an average age of 50. To date in 2026, Louisiana has reported five recreational boating fatalities.

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Each vessel should have enough PFDs on board for all occupants. LDWF regulations also state that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26-foot long. Of the 87 recreational boating fatalities from 2021-25, 71 were not wearing a PFD or 81 percent.

Alcohol use is one of the leading causes of boating crash incidents and fatalities on the water. Alcohol consumption impairs a boater's judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. The penalties for operating or driving a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) are the same as driving a vehicle.  Of the 87 recreational boating fatalities from 2021-25, alcohol was a factor in 23 fatalities or 26 percent.

LDWF also wants to remind anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 that they are required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. Of the 87 recreational boating fatalities from 2021-25, 75 percent did not take a free boating education course.

LDWF offers these boating safety classes free of charge statewide. For more information and to schedule a safe boating course, please visit the LDWF website.