news
Every year, more than 2 million anglers take to Minnesota^s lakes rivers and streams. For quite a few, it will be their first time as a watercraft owner, and many are unaware of the hazards awaiting the unprepared boater, according to Tim Smalley, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) boating safety specialist.
"Many people think that fatal boating accidents are like car crashes -- two boats hurtling at each other at high speed and colliding with fatal results," Smalley said. "That can happen, as shown by the tragic five-person fatal boat crash that happened on the St. Croix River during last year^s Fourth of July weekend. That isn^t how it usually happens, however.
"The typical fatal boating accident usually involves a boat that is 16 feet or shorter with a small motor, going very slow or stopped," Smalley said. "The victim stands up to net a fish or move around and falls overboard or capsizes the boat and drowns."
Smalley noted that the victim usually has swimming ability, but something has short circuited their swimming skills, like alcohol or cold water or a combination of both.
Early season water temperatures are often in the 40s or 50s, cold enough to cause hypothermia, a life-threatening drop in body temperature. Even an Olympic-class swimmer has a difficult time swimming more than a few dozen yards in water that cold. However, wearing a life jacket can make a fall overboard nothing more than an embarrassing and chilly dunking.
A vest-style life vest (known officially as a type three personal flotation device), as opposed to one of the old style orange "horse collar" life jackets, can hold in body heat and lengthen cold water survival time. "Float coat" models offer even more comfort and hypothermia protection and look like an ordinary coat. That makes them perfect for anglers who don^t want their fishing buddies to know they^re wearing a life jacket.
The newest inflatable vests to be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard automatically inflate if the wearer falls into the water. Their main advantage is that they are often more comfortable than traditional life vests. Their disadvantage is that they may not be used by children or weak swimmers, and they don^t provide as much protection from hypothermia as a vest.
ALCOHOL -- THE DEADLY COMPANION
"Unfortunately, it seems that the consumption of alcohol while boating is still perceived as an acceptable practice by many anglers," Smalley said. "The 12-pack is almost as common in boats as the tackle box."
Advertisements dot the landscape on the way to the lake encouraging fishermen and women to "Tip a few in a canoe" or telling them that a certain brand of whiskey is "A REEL man^s drink."
"Anglers need to understand that drinking alcoholic beverages is better left to after the boat is tied up to the dock and they are in the cabin for the night," Smalley said.
Studies conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard have consistently demonstrated that blood alcohol concentrations well below the legal limit of .10 are dangerous to boaters. Loss of color vision and depth perception, lowered visual acuity, lack of balance and poor judgment all start at amazingly low levels due to physical stressors found in the boating environment. The sun, wind, noise and vibration all combine to increase the effects of alcohol beyond what is experienced on dry land. And unfortunately, the designated driver approach isn^t as effective as it is in autos. Many fatal boating accidents are caused by and happen to the boats^ passengers.
"Best advice? Leave the beer back at the cabin," Smalley said.
The Minnesota DNR offers some boating tips to make outings more safe and fun: • Carry all the legally required equipment, things like life vests for everyone, lights after sunset, and fire extinguishers (required on some boats). • Make sure the motor and other boating equipment is working properly; bring tools and spare parts just in case. Also, be sure the outboard motor isn^t too loose when you turn it from side to side. A "floppy" motor can cause a boat to slam hard to the right if the tiller is released, possibly ejecting the occupants. Then, to add injury to insult, the boat may circle around and run you over! "If you aren^t sure, have the motor checked out by a qualified marine service technician," Smalley suggested. • Check the trailer, especially the tires and bearings. Bring a spare tire and a spare set of bearings for the trailer. • Remember that there are age restrictions for operating certain size motors, even when there is an adult on board the boat. Be sure to find out if your child can legally operate the boat before you hand over the wheel.
The DNR^s 2000 Minnesota Boating Guide is available on the DNR^s web site and at most places that sell vehicle and boat licenses.
For a copy of the Minnesota Boating Guide or for more information about boating safety, call the DNR^s Information Center at (651) 296-6157 from the Twin Cities metro area, or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR from the remainder of Minnesota. Computer users can access the DNR^s web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us via the Internet.
Uploaded: 5/15/2000
Uploaded: 5/15/2000