Don't Become An Statistic

 

Friday, May 27 and Monday, May 30, 2022, the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to one drowning and a capsizing incident at the Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend. Troopers say Matthew Frazier, 40, drowned in the Elk River in McDonald County.  At the Lake of the Ozarks, two teens and an adult were hurt when a boat capsized. Investigators say all three were on a boat traveling too fast for the conditions, then the boat capsized. Two of the three victims were sent to the hospital for treatment. Table Rock Lake had four incidences two collisions with watercraft, one individual with serious injuries one with minor injuries, both sent to hospital: Two Groundings with injuries.  From January 2023 to April 1, 2023, the state of Missouri has had 7 drownings.    

Unfortunately, a contributing cause to water related injuries and fatalities, is not paying attention to the rules of boating and water safety.  The statistics show that the majority of individuals that are injured or die are visitors and not familiar with the areas, the regulations or just are careless and have an attitude that it cannot happen to me.

So, what can you do to prevent your family, yourself and friends from becoming a water related statistic?

1. Limit the use of adult beverages, have at least one 16-ounce glass of water with every 12-ounce beer or 4 to 6 ounces of liquor, for example. Water can replenish your fluids and help you stay hydrated. Stick with light-colored drinks.

2. have a designated sober driver.   Boating while intoxicated (BWI) and Driving while Intoxicated (DWI) in many states will reflect your insurance rates.   Insurance companies will usually consider things such as DUIs (and BWIs) and reckless driving convictions when determining the cost of your boat insurance rate. You may face a higher boat insurance premium if you have a poor driving record.

3. Like Tom Hanks, you’re the captain now.  Tell your passengers what you expect from them. make sure they are seated when under way.   It will reduce bumps and bruises if it is a rough ride.  Be sure to balance out the boat, distribute the weight evenly, it makes a smoother ride and the boat easier to maneuver.  

4. Wear a life jacket.  If you fall overboard or fall off a PWC a lifejacket will save your life.  I know you can swim.  You can't swim if you are injured, or unconscious.  in many states as example in Missouri children seven years and younger are required to wear a life jacket while on board, unless they are below deck in a cabin.  I would advise that they wear one at all times. The age for children requirement to wear a life jacket will vary from state to state, check your local regulations.   Adults in the state of Missouri all lifejackets must be readily accessible, this means out in the open, not in storage or a bag, or under the seat.  

5.Know the navigation rules.  know who the Give Way is and Who is the Stand on.  Who has the right of way.  Learn what the different buoys markings mean.   Watch your wake, and speed.    Yes, there are speed limits or restrictive areas where the rate of speed is regulated in many cases to a idle.   You will find speed limits in marinas, in controlled buoyed areas, under bridges, within 100 feet of docks, or an anchor vessel.