JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Safety should be a top priority over the Memorial Day Holiday and all summer long on the water.

North Dakota Game & Fish Wildlife Biologist Doug Leier says while spending time outdoors over the weekend, life jackets, spotters when skiing or using PWC are key to keep safe.

Leier says a boat should have enough U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets on board for all passengers.

North Dakota law requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length. The law also requires all personal watercraft users to wear a life jacket, as well as anyone towed on skis, tubes, boards or other similar devices.

However, state law allows an individual who is at least 16 years of age to windsurf or boardsail without wearing a PFD.

In other Game & Fish news, Leier says the deadline for deer applications is fast approaching.

Leier says you can increase your odds to get a deer tag by applying for different zones in North Dakota.

June 2 is application deadline and the season opens November 5th at 12 noon.

Visit gf.nd.gov for more information.

You can catch Doug Leier every Thursday at 7:35 AM on Big Dog Country 95.5 FM with JD in the Morning.