Water fun can quickly turn to catastrophe
As summer returns to the Upper Midwest, the region’s picturesque lakes and rivers become popular destinations for recreation. With boating season underway, Safe Boating Week, recognized May 17-23, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safety on the water.
“Your biggest piece of safety equipment on a boat, is your life jacket,” said Lt. Darren Kuhn, of the DNR.
Wisconsin law requires a wearable life jacket for every person on board, and larger boats must also carry throwable flotation devices. Despite this longstanding regulation, Kuhn notes that the absence of life jackets remains one of the most common violations among boaters.
“Eighty percent of boating fatalities nationwide, are a result of drowning, making it the No. 1 cause of death in boating accidents,” he said. “When worn, they’re proven to work..
Boaters and swimmers are encouraged to take the following proactive safety measures:
• Supervising children closely while swimming, as they can slip under the water quickly.
• Avoiding alcohol during boating or swimming activities.
• Checking water depth, before jumping or diving. Recent changes in weather mean some of the lakes aren’t quite as deep as they were previously.
• Being extra cautious during busy weekends and periods of high boat traffic.
• Reducing speed in unfamiliar areas or when less experienced.
• Avoiding night boating, because of reduced visibility and higher collision risks.
• Monitoring the weather and staying off the water during storms.
• Prohibiting bow riding (sitting on the front of the boat with feet dangling) while the motor is running, as this can lead to serious propeller injuries.
• Avoiding alcohol, particularly when taking prescription medications.
“The other thing about alcohol, is that people don’t realize how it affects people differently on the boat,” said Kuhn. “Being out in the sun, the wave action, generally not eating a lot while out on the water –all that plays a part in how fast alcohol affects the body.”
