The Saskatchewan RCMP is stressing water safety as this week is drowning prevention week.

Jamie Deemert, the F Division Underwater Recovery Team Coordinator says life jackets are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can have on a boat.

“Life jackets are very important.  They are the easiest way to prevent drowning mishaps in lakes and rivers.”

He reminds people to make sure children have a life jacket on while on the water that fits them properly.

Deemert says that 80 per cent of drowning deaths in Saskatchewan are linked to people not wearing a life jacket.