The Fourth of July weekend is here and you know what that means- a lot of people will be out on the water.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says there have been 11 boating related deaths so far this year in Louisiana, and with the holiday weekend upon us, agents are reminding people to take extra precautions while on the water .

The numbers are up compared to 2014. At this time last year, there were seven boating-related fatalities in Louisiana.

Wildlife and Fishers Senior Enforcement Agent, Jason Sanchez says wearing a life jacket saves lives. “We want to make sure everybody has a proper fitting serviceable PFD, which is a life jacket. You want to have at least one life jacket for every person in a vessel.”

Wildlife and Fisheries officials say most of this year’s drowning victims weren’t wearing life vests. “Something as simple as a life jacket can save your life. Typically we don’t pull a drowning victim out of the water that’s been wearing a life jacket.”

The state’s waterways will be busy this holiday weekend. Sanchez stresses the importance of being alert and watching out for others. “So there’s going to be a lot of traffic. You just need to be aware on your surroundings. Not only what you’re doing but you need to be aware what other boats are doing too.”

Sanchez says there are no open container laws in Louisiana. Alcohol is legal on boats for passengers, but it’s illegal to operate a boat under the influence. “With the holiday weekend usually comes drinking. it’s a very good idea to have a designated driver. That way you won’t have to worry about getting into any trouble.”

State regulations require children under the age of seven to have a life jacket on at all times.

If you would like more information on boating safety, you can log on http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/