Although Kentucky is not among the top-ranking states for boating accidents, it does, unfortunately, make the list for top-10 boating deaths. That information comes courtesy of the National Safe Boating Council ("NSBC"), which has culled recent statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard. The NSBC is an entity of more than 300 American and Canadian organizations, most of them nonprofit, that promotes water safety and education.

Here are some of the sobering numbers from 2009. In that year alone, the Coast Guard says that nearly 5,000 recreational boating accidents occurred on American waters, involving nearly 3,400 watercraft injuries. More than 700 people died. Most victims drowned, and 84 percent of them were not wearing life jackets. Property damage in boating accidents that year was extensive, with about $36 million claimed in losses.

It doesn't have to be that way, notes NSBC executive director Virgil Chambers, who sums up the number-one antidote to deaths on the water by simply saying, "Wear It!"

"It" is, of course, a life jacket, and the simple act of putting one on and keeping it on at all times while out on the water does more than any other act to increase personal safety. That is especially true for recreational boaters, with many deaths and injuries on the water owing to acts of negligence, including drug and/or alcohol use. Wearing a life jacket equates to life insurance, and has been proven to save lives in countless boating accidents.

The NSBC adds one caveat to its advice: Not just any jacket. Make sure each life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and that kids' jackets are child-sized and properly fitted.

The last week in May is National Safe Boating Week. Life jacket wear in every instance will continue to be the overriding theme in education efforts during that event, as well.

Related Resource: www.marketwire.com ""Easy Safe Boating Tips for Fun on the Water This Summer" March 22, 2011