MINNETONKA, Minn - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says at least 80% of boating deaths in our state would be prevented if the victim was wearing a life jacket.

There are several kinds of life jackets on the market, including inflatable ones that will either automatically inflate or let you do it manually. Rob Morine and Andrea Maanum with Absolute Outdoor, Inc. stopped by KARE 11 Sunrise Monday to talk about how they work and how to know if a life jacket properly fits your child.

Below are the life jacket laws in Minnesota you need to know:

• All boats must have a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board.
• For boats 16 feet or longer, there must also be at least one throwable flotation device on board.
• All children under 10 years old must be wearing a life jacket at all times while on a boat.

If you forget your life jacket on Lake Minnetonka, no problem. Lake Minnetonka has boxes with life jackets inside that you can borrow for free while out on the lake. They are located at the public access points in Gray's Bay, Spring Park Bay and Maxwell Bay.

If you haven't taken the Water Watchdog pledge, click here to do so.

(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)