I enjoyed the article on stand-up paddleboards. (“A new sport begins to take hold on Vashon,” July 25.) Unfortunately it reminded me of the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics report that 2011 had the highest number of boating fatalities since 1998. Seventy percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were not wearing a lifejacket. While the percentage of fatalities for open motorboats and personal watercraft has gone down, that for paddle craft has gone up. In Washington, recreational boating accident fatalities were more likely to be male, 40 or older, not wearing a lifejacket and using a sail or paddle boat.

In Puget Sound, where waters rarely reach 60 degrees, most boaters know about hypothermia. Fewer know of the cold water immersion gasping reflex. Falls overboard typically force the head and chest under water. This sudden exposure to cold water triggers gasping followed by difficult-to-control hyperventilation. Without a lifejacket, this can occur under the surface, drawing cold water into the lungs. There are numerous cases of boaters without lifejackets going into cold water within sight of others. Witnesses later report the victim briefly struggled before going under or just disappeared. Some paddlers state they do not need a lifejacket as they can hold onto their vessel. Wind can move a boat faster than you may be able to swim to it, though. In cold water, the more you move the faster you cool. As you lose heat, numbness prevents swimming, getting onto a boat unassisted or holding onto a floating object.

As paddling has gotten more popular, so have more comfortable lifejackets and suspender and belt-pack style inflatable lifejackets. Taking a course from the USCG Auxiliary, American Canoe Association or other provider is another way to increase your safety. See also www.coastguard.dodlive.mil/2012/05/top-10-tips-for-stand-up-paddleboarding.

What is the best lifejacket? The one you wear

— Kent Chappelka, USCG District 13 Director of Auxiliary