Antigo - Vilas County's 1,300 lakes make for great places to relax and play.

But with that comes responsibility for swimmers and boaters.

A 41-year-old Lac du Flambeau man died in Gunlock Lake from a possible drowning earlier this week. It's an unfortunate reminder for boaters and swimmers: be smart and be careful on water.

Life jackets won't win any fashion awards but people should wear one on the water.

"Having a simple little life jacket and wearing it, a lot of times, the difference between life and death," Wisconsin It's such a simple thing to do, there's really no reason not to."

Boaters should keep life jackets accessbile on the boat -- not hidden away in compartments or under seats.

Jeff Dauterman with the D-N-R reminds people to be alert if someone goes overboard or falls in the water.

However the biggest change needs to come from boaters attitudes.

"It's this, 'we're just out here having fun, can't get hurt having fun.' And the wearing of a life jacket seems to be a rite of passage into adulthood and more responsibility. Parents made you wear it as a kid, you're big now, I don't need to wear that."