[OSMB-News] News Release -2012 Recreational Boating Fatalities Highest Since 2006

Wed Oct 17 16:17:49 PDT 2012

For Immediate Release                          Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2012

2012 Recreational Boating Fatalities Highest Since 2006
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              As the season changes bring cooler weather, the Marine Board reminds boaters heading to the water to put safety first and expect the unexpected.
            There are several months left in the year and so far Oregon has had 17 recreational boating fatalities.  The fatalities have involved all forms of watercraft, from Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) to a sailboat and everything in between, including three inner-tubes tied together.
            "Recreational boater deaths are particularly tragic because they occur while people are out on the water to enjoy themselves with family and [cid:image004.jpg at 01CDAC83.00DAE090] friends," says Scott Brewen, Director of the Marine Board. "What's more tragic is that most are preventable."
As with other years, most fatalities can be attributed to capsizing and falls overboard. Victims not wearing life jackets or consuming alcohol, contributed to the accidents.  Falls-overboard may lead to drowning when the body does an involuntary "gasp reflex" when entering frigid water.  If a person isn't wearing a life jacket, it's easy to inhale water upon initial immersion.
"In 2012, prop strikes claimed the lives of two victims," says Ashley Massey, Public Information Officer for the Marine Board.  Massey also adds, "We've seen a steady decline in motorboat accidents and fatalities since mandatory boater education requirements phased in.  Interestingly, 7 of the 9 motorboat fatalities hadn't met their boater education requirement.  Seven of the fatalities involved non-motorized craft where there are no education or registration requirements.  With the fatalities this year, only one of the motorboat victims wore a life jacket and only two of them took a boating safety course.  But even with education, boaters need to practice what they're being taught."
It's also important to recognize that inflatable boats, kayaks, canoes, and float toys are unstable.  River currents can lead less maneuverable craft, like inflatable rafts, directly into an obstruction.  Massey points out, "It's important to use a watercraft in the way it was designed.  A pool toy isn't designed for use in a river."  Marine Patrols across the state report shredded pool toys littering popular rivers.  Marine patrol action reports received by the Marine Board reflect numerous close calls and rescues this spring and summer.  "We know from monitoring newspapers articles that there were a lot of close calls on the Rogue, Umpqua, McKenzie, Willamette and North Santiam Rivers and fortunately, the boaters were able to self-rescue," Massey adds.  "By combining what's been reported by the marine patrols and from the newspapers, we're probably pretty fortunate that the fatality numbers aren't any higher."
The Marine Board offers the following tips for boating in the fall and winter:

*       Always wear a properly fitting life jacket.  Wear it over the top of other insulated clothing.  The water temperature is cold and a life jacket will reduce risk from muscle cramping.

*       Always boat (or float) with other people.  Stay with your party and discuss what you'll do if you become separated.  Have a float plan so family and friends know where you are going and when you expect to return.  A float plan can be downloaded at http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/library/docs/FloatPlan.pdf.

*       Have important items like a cell phone and car keys in a water-tight container or bag.

*       Know the river.  Rivers are in a constant state of flux, depending on dam releases and weather conditions.  Novices should avoid whitewater or should go with an experienced rafter or outfitter/guide.  Check the Marine Board website for reported waterway obstructions.

*       Know your launch and take out point.  If there's a sharp bend in the river, bank your boat and scout ahead.  Local river guides can offer extremely helpful advice on areas to avoid and the best channels to take.

*       If you wind up in the water, float with the current with your feet first, downstream.  Use your arms like oars and steer toward the bank.  Do not fight the current.  Try and relax and float on your back.  This is much easier when wearing a life jacket.

"We want people to have fun, but boat safe, boat sober and always wear a life jacket," says Massey.
You can find out weather, water levels, boating obstructions, access points, and other planning information at www.boatoregon.com<http://www.boatoregon.com>.
###

Ashley A. Massey
Public Information Officer
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
Ashley.massey at state.or.us<mailto:Ashley.massey at state.or.us>

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