NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
May 22, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 237
For more information, contact Sgt. Greg Rhodes, Fish & Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739- 9913 or 302-542-6102, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
DNREC Boating Safety Office Urges Boaters to Remember
Good Safety Practices During Holiday Weekend
With the 2008 summer season making its debut this weekend and good weather in the forecast through Memorial Day, many boaters will be heading out on the water. As they do, however, the DNREC Office of Boating Safety encourages them to remember to practice safe boating over the holiday weekend – and all summer long.
“Delaware consistently has one of the lowest boating accident rates in the country. Last year, we had only two boating-related fatalities and 26 reportable boating accidents. That’s very good – but we’d like to see those numbers go down even more. Though some accidents are unavoidable, we need everyone on our waterways to be alert, use common sense and avoid actions that will put themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk,” said Sgt. Greg Rhodes, the Boating Safety office’s boating education specialist.
Recently released statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show the top five causes for boating accidents in 2007, as in previous years, were operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, passenger/skier behavior, excessive speed and alcohol use. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and was listed as the leading factor in 21 percent of last year’s 688 boating-related fatalities nationwide.
“Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wise choice – don’t drink and boat,” said Sgt. Rhodes, noting that boaters should plan ahead to have a non-drinking designated boat operator aboard if alcohol is being consumed.
While it is not illegal for recreational boat operators to consume alcohol, the same blood alcohol limit used to measure intoxication in automobile drivers applies to boat operators: 0.08 or above is legally intoxicated, Rhodes added, noting boat operators found to be at or over the limit face fines and potential jail time, as well as putting themselves and their passengers at risk.
Statistics also support the vital role of wearing life jackets in keeping boaters safe. According to Coast Guard data, more than two-thirds of those killed in boating accidents last year were drowning victims – and 90 percent of them were not wearing life jackets.
“We know without question that life jackets save lives, and today’s life jackets are more effective, more comfortable and even more fashionable than in the past, so there’s simply no reason not to use them,” Sgt. Rhodes said. “In addition, Delaware law requires that children age 12 and younger wear them while underway in any vessel on Delaware waters. Though life jackets are not legally required for adults, they should also wear them, especially those with limited swimming skills.”
Rhodes cited a sad example in this year’s first and, so far, only boating-related fatality: a non-swimmer who was not wearing a lifejacket and drowned while canoeing in Ingram Pond near Millsboro in March.
Taking a boating safety course can also improve your skills and reduce the chances of an accident. Coast Guard statistics show that where instructional data was available, three-fourths of last year’s boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety provides volunteer instructors to private and non-profit organizations, schools, clubs and the public to educate boaters on skills and seamanship and to encourage them to be safe, knowledgeable and responsible. Courses are offered free of charge, including materials and educational aids.
Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat in Delaware waters, including personal watercraft, Rhodes noted. “We recommend that everyone who is going to operate a boat in Delaware waters take a safety course first, regardless of their age,” he added.
Though boating fatalities decreased nationwide last year, injuries rose from 3,474 in 2006 to 3,686 in 2007, boating accidents increased from 4,967 to 5,223 and property damage ballooned from a record $43.6 million in 2006 to more than $53 million last year.
“It’s gratifying to see the number of deaths going down. We hope that this is a result of more boaters adopting responsible boating behaviors,” said Coast Guard Rear Admiral James Watson, Director of Prevention Policy. “Boating remains a safe, enjoyable way for Americans to recreate. Still, 688 deaths and 5,223 accidents are way too many, especially considering that the vast majority could have been prevented through simple, responsible behavior on the part of owners and operators. We hope that all boaters such as anglers, paddlers, and open motor boat users heed these statistics and resolve to help us reduce fatalities, injuries, accidents, and property damage this year.”
For more information on Delaware’s boating safety education courses, please visit www.fw.delaware.gov/Boating/BoatingSafety.htm or contact Sgt. Greg Rhodes at 302- 739-9913 or email gregory.rhodes@state.de.us.
