Troopers Prepare For National Safe Boating Week
By: April Hansen
Updated: May 20, 2012
The U.S. Coast Guard says drowning was the cause of three fourths of all recreational boating deaths in 2010 and 88 percent weren't wearing life jackets.
Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, so water patrol says traffic on the water will increase the rest of the season and safety will be even more important.
"We encourage everyone to boat sober and keep an eye out for other boats in the area," said Eric Mueller, a trooper for the Missouri State Water Patrol. He expects an increase in traffic on the waters. "We're looking for a busier summer than last year. It was down due to the flooding," said Mueller.
Boaters should be extra cautious.
"With the increase in traffic on the lake, boat responsibly, don't drink and operate a boat and always wear a life jacket," said Mueller.
Missouri had 166 boating accidents in 2011. 86 people were injured and 19 were killed.
To combat this statistic the water patrol asks boaters to follow boating safety tips.
Don't drink while you boat, understand Missouri's boating laws before going out onto the water, make sure your boat is prepared with the right emergency equipment and check the weather.
Ivy Jones and her family have been boating on Table Rock Lake for years and says she feels safe that patrols are watching the water.
"Just so that everyone knows what's going on around them and everybody is doing it a safe way because there are a lot of kids out here and people should pay attention to that," said Jones.
Missouri law requires children under the age of seven to wear a life jacket at all times when they're on board a boat. There also needs to be enough life jackets for every passenger.
Troopers will be patrolling the waters looking for valid boater registration, life jacket violations and making sure all passengers are riding safely.
A boating license is required for anyone born after January 1,1984. They must take and pass a boater education course and carry the certification card at all times when operating a boat.
If you want more information on boating safety visit the Missouri State Water Patrol Website.
