Help Us Make Kayaking Safer in Wisconsin!
At Silent Wake, our mission has always been to promote safety and awareness on the water. This year, we are taking a major step forward by introducing a formal resolution at the upcoming Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) Spring Hearing on April 13, 2026.
The Resolution:
We are proposing a mandate for all kayakers and paddlers to wear a life jacket (PFD) between Labor Day to Memorial Day.
Why now?
While the Wisconsin DNR currently requires life jackets to be on board and “readily accessible,” cold water temperatures during the “off-season” make it nearly impossible to put one on during an emergency.
- Safety First: USCG Data shows that nearly 85% of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.
- Cold Water Awareness: Between Labor Day and Memorial Day, Wisconsin’s waters are dangerously cold. A life jacket properly worn buys you the critical time needed to survive the cold water.
- Cold Water Temperature Comparison Table:
- National Center for Cold Water Safety – Below 70 degrees
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) – Below 59 degrees
- American Canoe Association (ACA) – Below 60 degrees
- American Whitewater – Below 50 degrees
- 5 other states (CT, MA, NJ, NY and PA) have adopted a similar cold water requirement.
How YOU can help:
The WCC Spring Hearing is the public’s chance to weigh in on natural resource rules. We need your voice!
- Attend in person: Each county holds a meeting on April 13 at 6:00 PM.
- Vote Online: The online survey will be open from 6:00 PM April 13 through noon on April 15.
Let’s work together to ensure every paddler returns home safely. Please share this post to spread the word!
#SilentWake #kayaking #KayakSafety #WearItWI #WisconsinOutdoors #PaddleSafe