PFDs. Personal floatation devices. Life jackets.

Call them what you will.

If you're not wearing one when out recreating on the water, you take a huge risk. Should you have an accident and end up in the water, your chances of survival are greatly reduced if you're not wearing a PFD.

It's Survival in the Water 101.

Sadly, we experienced yet another tragedy this weekend, when a Waterville man boating on Great Pond in Belgrade drowned after his craft capsized.

"Their boat became overloaded and a wave came up and literally flipped the boat over."

Thomas Kopp did not survive.

"Neither Thomas nor Michael Kopp was wearing a life jacket."

How very sad. And unfortunate. And needless.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Kopp. We are so sorry for your loss.

A tragic mistake. One that is all too often repeated.

Boating season is fast coming to an end. But snowmobile and ice fishing seasons are fast approaching. When will we read of the first death(s) of people venturing out onto the ice in unsafe conditions?

It's much the same thing. Why do people do it? It's not like we don't know these things that can help us avoid tragedy and keep us safe. But we choose to ignore them with horrible consequences.

I don't get it.

Please take heed. Don't be a statistic. THINK, and LIVE.

Do you wear your life jacket when boating or paddling? If you snowmobile or ice fish what safety precautions do you take?