Boaters should be prepared for high water this spring

With the high levels of snow and very warm temperatures this spring, boaters can expect high waters soon. The combination of high water and high expectations can be deadly when conditions are too extreme for safe boating.

It can be hard to put safety ahead of adventure when you’ve spent hours planning a boat trip, but sometimes the only safe choice is to stay off the water.

All water users should wear a well-fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, or life jacket, when on and around the water. If you are in a boat or even near a rapidly flowing river, wear a life jacket – it...