Rangers give boat safety tips for Memorial Day

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As the weather heats up more and more people are heading to our local waterways.

Typically, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of boating season. Plenty of people hit the water whether its by boat or swimming. But statistics show holiday weekends increase your chances of a boating incident dramatically.

As the weather heats up more and more people are heading to our local waterways.

Ranger Alex Luscutoff at Millerton Lake had a few tips:

Always make sure you have safety vests and a fire extinguisher

Kids 13 and under must be wearing a safety vest at all times.

For those swimming, be sure to stay close to shore near designated lifeguard areas.

According to California Parks, there were 503 boating incidents, 232 injuries, and

49 fatalities in 2015.