Boat Registrations up in Connecticut

Connecticut waters should be carrying a bunch more boaters this summer.

The state Department of Environmental Protection says boat registrations have jumped from about 100,000 last year to over 112,000 so far this year.

Officials say lower gas prices are a big reason.

The state is reminding boaters they must obtain a Boating Safety Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. It’s also launching a new boater-safety program this week to get more people to wear life jackets.

And DEP warns boaters that even in warm weather, Connecticut water temperatures are still cold enough now to quickly cause hypothermia.