This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Division of Parks and Recreation is encouraging boating safety on Utah waters.

According to the agency, 80 percent of boating-related fatalities involved boaters not wearing life jackets. And the majority of boating fatalities take place on smaller boats under 21 feet.

Here are some boating fatality facts:

• As of April 10, Utah had experienced two boating fatalities.

• Boating fatalities in Utah are high compared with other states. Utah ranks in the top 10 with 11.1 deaths per 100,000 registered boats.

• The largest percentage of Utah boating fatalities occur from open motorboats 21 feet or less in length.

• While boating activity peaks in summer months, the larger percentage of U.S. fatalities occur in colder months.

• Nearly 50 percent of drownings nationwide occur on lakes and reservoirs.

• Seventy-five percent of drownings occurred on waters with wave heights less than 2 feet.

• When wind conditions are known, 58 percent of drownings occurred with wind conditions described as none or light.

• When visibilities were known, 82 percent of the nation's drownings occurred under conditions described as "good visibility."