If you are heading out on the water this summer, don't forget to bring a life jacket.

The U.S. Coast Guard says 87% of people who drowned last year were not wearing a life jacket.

Aaron Meier, the Boating Education Coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, says wearing a life jacket is no different from being safe behind the wheel.

"To me, it's the same as a seatbelt or a helmet," Meier said. "It's literally the key piece of of equipment that's going to save you."

California and Nevada both require at least one life jacket per person on board anything on the water, from paddle boards to boats. And California also requires anyone being towed behind a boat to wear a life jacket.

But anyone over 12 years old isn't required to wear one, which NDOW says is the reason many don't. In addition, Meier says some people think they're too bulky to have on.

"Life jackets are perceived to be those huge, bulky, orange things," Meier said. "I don't know if people think we're still wearing the life jackets that they had on the Titanic, but life jackets don't look like that anymore."

NDOW says they have loaner stations at most Nevada lakes, where you can borrow a life jacket. But bringing your own is even better.

Lieutenant Chad McKinnon with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office says there's two things to think about when buying a life jacket: whether it's Coast Guard approved, and how it fits.

"Pay attention to the sizes," Lieutenant McKinnon says, "usually there's a weight recommendation for the size on the life jacket. Follow what it says on there. But you're only going to know what's best by trying them on."

Having a life jacket is one thing, but having one in good working order is another.

Lieutenant McKinnon says you should inspect your life jacket every time before heading out on the water and be sure that you're using it properly.

"Make sure you don't see any tears or broken buckles," Lieutenant McKinnon says, "Make sure you're zipping it up and buckling it every time you're wearing it, and make sure it's in good functioning order before you go use it. "

Whether you buy one or borrow one, having a life jacket on is the best way to be safe on the water.