Boating fatalities rising; LDWF urges the use of life jacket, other safety measures MGN Online and last updated 2021-03-10 13:48:40-05 The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division is reminding all boaters to practice safe boating as spring and summer boating season approaches. The reminder comes after two more boating fatalities within the past week, bringing the number of Louisiana boating fatalities in 2021 to seven. At this time in 2020, there were only two recreational boating fatalities. "We haven't even gotten into the prime boating season in Louisiana yet and we are seeing fatalities climb at an alarming pace," said Col. Chad Hebert, the head of the LDWF Enforcement Division. "We are urging boaters to please adhere to all safe boating laws and practices."