CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Holland police are reminding canoeists and kayakers about the required use of life jackets begins Sunday. According to Massachusetts law, all canoeists and kayakers must wear a life jacket while on the water from September 15th through May 15th however, it is safe and responsible to consistently wear a life jacket every time boaters are in the water. Record warm summer nationally and in western Massachusetts In Massachusetts, children under the age of 12 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a boat that is underway. From September 15 to May 15, canoeists/kayakers are required to wear a life jacket. Personal watercraft users and waterskiers must always wear a life jacket. 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2023-Ch1Download According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 377 people who died in 2023 were caused by drowning. Out of those who drowned, 87 percent (319) were not wearing a life jacket. Local News Headlines Cruise for Critters car show to benefit Second Chance Animal Services F-15 jets from Westfield to flyover Patriots game Life jackets must now be worn in Massachusetts by canoeists and kayakers Basketball tournament held to raise awareness about safe driving practices WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.