Leading up to the Memorial Day holiday and the unofficial start of summer, The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is promoting "Safe Boating Week."

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed a proclamation that encourages people on boats to wear their life jackets. He says more comfortable life jackets are more likely to be worn. In 2014, 14 people died in boating accidents, according to the DNR's weekly news release. Thirteen of them did not have a life vest on.

Minnesota law requires that children younger than 10 wear their life jackets when aboard a boat unless the boat is tied to a dock.

The DNR invites boaters to submit photos of life jackets in use. Use the DNR's boat and water safety Facebook page or on Twitter, @mndnr. Use the hashtage #WearItMN.

 

Boating Safety Week is May 16-22. Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR
Boating Safety Week is May 16-22. Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR
loading...

 

Wood tick season is here in Minnesota. Getty Images
Wood tick season is here in Minnesota. Getty Images
loading...

The DNR also offers these tips to prevent tick bites.

  • Walk in the center of trails.
  • Wear light-colored clothing. Then ticks are more visible.
  • Tuck pants into socks or boots.
  • Use a repellent containing DEET.
  • Check yourself and your clothes after being in a tick habitat.
  • Check your pets, too.

More From KDHL Radio