Cold water remains a hazard despite Seattle heat

Driving the news: More people are turning to human-powered water sports like kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding — activities that often occur without life jackets, training, or proper gear, meteorologist Ted Buehner said in a water-safety media tour last month.

• Paddle sports participation in Washington has jumped 28% since 2017, with 52% of respondents in a state survey saying they've engaged in these activities.

By the numbers: Half of the 12 boating fatalities last year involved paddle sports and 11 of the victims were not wearing a life jacket, according to Rob Sendak, manager of the state's boating program.

• The age range for boating fatalities in 2023-24 was 17-75, according to a press release from Seydel.

The bottom line: The Washington State Parks boating program is pushing awareness campaigns like "Reach, Throw, Don't Go" to promote safer rescues and is urging people on the water to always wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets.