Ready to take the boat out? How to stay safe on the water as summer heats up

In just the last year and a half, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources reported 67 boating accidents, with 50 of those occurring between the months of May and August.

Seen as some of the busiest times of the year in the state, the holidays and summer recreational boating season put boaters at an increased risk for their safety.

While operators above the age of 18 are not required to have a boating license in Kentucky, KDFWR conservation officer Greg Watts recommends everyone complete a boating education course before going on the water to lower their chance of getting into an accident.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported 74.3% of national boating deaths in 2022 were caused by an operator not having proper boating safety instruction, which accounted for 1,774 boating accidents.

Regardless of having taken the state’s safety course or not, Watts recommends that all boaters stay aware of their surroundings and ensure all safety equipment is in good working condition.

Another way to maintain safety is wearing a personal flotation device on the water.

In just last year, the USCG reported 75% of national boating deaths to be caused by drowning when the cause of death was known, and 85% of those victims were not wearing life jackets.

Watts recommended those of all ages to wear personal flotation devices on the boat, regardless of state law saying only those under 12 are required to be wearing a life jacket when a boat is moving.

An additional risk to a boater’s safety is the influence of alcohol.

The USCG reported alcohol to be a leading factor in 16% of the nation’s boating related deaths and responsible for 33 accidents and nine deaths in Kentucky the last five years.

“Don’t operate the boat under the influence of alcohol or other substances,” Watts said. “In Kentucky (we) have a Boating Under the Influence statute just as there is a DUI statute for automobiles.”

Any person convicted with a .08 blood alcohol level while operating devices such as skis, a personal watercraft or boat may be subjected to jail time and fines, says KDFWR.

Any Kentucky boating accidents may be reported to the local Kentucky State Police Post and will be dispatched to a conservation officer for an investigation.

This story was originally published July 11, 2023 at 10:57 AM.