05-31-2009, 11:10 AM
LITTLE ROCK - Arkansas boating accidents and fatalities are up from this same time last year. Currently, there have been 21 reported accidents with six fatalities. At this same time last year Arkansas had 12 accidents with four fatalities.
Earlier this month, a collision between two fishing boats on Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas resulted in injuries and one fisherman's body that is still missing. In 2008 there were a total 86 reported accidents with 14 fatalities, 44 injuries and estimated property damage of almost $280,000. According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating safety enforcement officer Stephanie Weatherington, 11 of the 14 fatalities were due to drowning. "Only one of these was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident," she said. "The average age of the drowning victims not wearing life jackets was just over 51 years old. Most operators involved in these accidents were middle aged (30 to 50 years) with well over 100 hours of boat operation experience," Weatherington added.
Weatherington said boaters should be extra cautious with the Memorial Day weekend just around the corner. "Most boating accidents are the result of collisions with other boats or objects in the water. As a result of these collisions, some boaters are thrown from their boat and in a lot of cases drown because they are not wearing life jackets," she explained. "Paying close attention to your surroundings and always keeping a proper lookout is a huge part in being a defensive boater that can prevent the majority of the accidents. Also wearing life jackets at all times while in a boat will certainly save lives," Weatherington added.
Boating Education CardArkansas Law says that any individual born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, must complete a boater education course before they may operate any powerboat or personal watercraft. However, the course is open to boaters of all ages and educates individuals on water regulations and safety.
What many boaters do not take into account is that their weekend on the water may be relaxing, but can also be tiring. The constant sun on a boater and the rocking of the boat gives boaters what Weatherington calls boater fatigue. This boater fatigue may alter a boater's responses and may hinder their ability to operate the vessel.
The AGFC makes it easy for boaters to complete the Boating Education course. Individuals may take the course at home through an informative video, online or through an instructor-led class in their area. For more information on the boating safety classes, go to http://www.agfc.com/education-class/boat...ation.aspx.
Earlier this month, a collision between two fishing boats on Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas resulted in injuries and one fisherman's body that is still missing. In 2008 there were a total 86 reported accidents with 14 fatalities, 44 injuries and estimated property damage of almost $280,000. According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating safety enforcement officer Stephanie Weatherington, 11 of the 14 fatalities were due to drowning. "Only one of these was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident," she said. "The average age of the drowning victims not wearing life jackets was just over 51 years old. Most operators involved in these accidents were middle aged (30 to 50 years) with well over 100 hours of boat operation experience," Weatherington added.
Weatherington said boaters should be extra cautious with the Memorial Day weekend just around the corner. "Most boating accidents are the result of collisions with other boats or objects in the water. As a result of these collisions, some boaters are thrown from their boat and in a lot of cases drown because they are not wearing life jackets," she explained. "Paying close attention to your surroundings and always keeping a proper lookout is a huge part in being a defensive boater that can prevent the majority of the accidents. Also wearing life jackets at all times while in a boat will certainly save lives," Weatherington added.
Boating Education CardArkansas Law says that any individual born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, must complete a boater education course before they may operate any powerboat or personal watercraft. However, the course is open to boaters of all ages and educates individuals on water regulations and safety.
What many boaters do not take into account is that their weekend on the water may be relaxing, but can also be tiring. The constant sun on a boater and the rocking of the boat gives boaters what Weatherington calls boater fatigue. This boater fatigue may alter a boater's responses and may hinder their ability to operate the vessel.
The AGFC makes it easy for boaters to complete the Boating Education course. Individuals may take the course at home through an informative video, online or through an instructor-led class in their area. For more information on the boating safety classes, go to http://www.agfc.com/education-class/boat...ation.aspx.