Kentucky officials remind families of water safety during Labor Day weekend

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – As families head to Kentucky’s lakes and rivers this Labor Day, officials are urging boaters and swimmers to make safety a priority.

According to the latest data, 84 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol remains the leading contributing factor in boating-related fatalities.

Authorities remind boaters to always have a sober operator at the wheel, wear life jackets at all times, and stay alert for others on the water.

The goal, officials say, is to make sure the only memories made this holiday weekend are safe and enjoyable ones.