GILLETTE, Wyo.— Boating season is finally here, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is urging residents to remember their life jackets as they head out on the water.

Life jackets, properly sized and in good repair, are required for every person onboard a boat in Wyoming waterways and while residents over the age of 12 are not required to always wear them, they must be readily accessible and be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, per WGFD.

Anyone being towed by a boat, riding other personal watercraft such as a jet ski, or wake surfing must wear a life jacket

Children 12 and under are required to always wear their life jackets while boating, WGFD says, adding that the same life jacket rules for motorized watercraft apply to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

Anyone being towed by a boat, riding personal watercraft such as a jet ski, or wake surfing must always wear a life jacket as well, regardless of their age, per WGFD.

“Simply put—life jackets save lives, when they are worn,” said Aaron Kerr, WGFD watercraft safety program coordinator, in a May 23 press release. “Following the safety rules while boating helps ensure that everyone has fun on the water.”

Wyoming boating law, per WGFD, requires other safety equipment as well including:

For additional information on Wyoming boating requirements, please check the WGFD website.