Waterfowl hunters throughout Indiana are being strongly reminded by Indiana Conservation Officers, that a life jacket will not work unless it is being worn.

"Our 'Wear It' campaign to promote life jacket use is not just for the warm weather months," said Michael Crider, director of the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. "Just ask the four waterfowl hunters who were forced into the Ohio River last week after the bow of their boat went underwater— fortunately they were close enough to swim ashore unhurt.

"Under stressful conditions, such as what these hunters went through, there is just not enough time to put on a life jacket, and with the frigid water pulling every ounce of warmth from your body, it won't take long until you won't be able to swim anymore."

Crider said that there are reasonably priced inflatable life vests offered by a number of manufacturers that are comfortable and non-restricting, with most available in camouflage.

Indiana law requires that there be one United States Coast Guard-approved wearable lifejacket per person in any boat, and that boats more than 16 feet in length have one throwable life-saving device on board.