Boating fatalities to date lowest in 5 years

August 31, 2008 by admin

Five people have lost their lives so far this year on Kentucky’s waters, making boating fatalities for 2008 the lowest at this point of the season in the last five years.

“These lower statistics are what we love to see,” said Sgt. John Anderson, boating education coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “This trending toward a historically low accident and injury fatality rate is the kind of information that makes law enforcement professionals happy.”

Through nearly the first eight months of 2008, Kentucky boaters have reported 41 accidents with 26 injuries. These accidents cost five lives.

By comparison, 71 accidents occurred on Kentucky waters in 2007 with 13 fatalities.

“Reports from our officers indicate a good boating season so far,” Anderson said. “The change is that 2008 is a much safer season than in years past.”

The Keep It a Safe Summer boating safety campaign combined with intensive patrol efforts have contributed to these positive changes, Anderson said. “We are putting this word out for people to continue to be safe this Labor Day weekend,” he said. “We want people out enjoying our waterways and having good stories to tell when they get home, not tragedies.”

Anderson reminds boaters to avoid drinking alcohol while operating a boat. Take frequent breaks when driving a boat to avoid fatigue. Wear a personal flotation device or life jacket when the boat is under power. Be aware of other boaters and pay close attention at all times when on the water if operating a boat.

“The waters of Kentucky are a safer place to be this year,” Anderson said. “We hope Kentucky boaters and visitors keep this up.”

From a Kentucky Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources news release

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