Are You Ready for Summer Boating Season?

Updated May 29, 2019

Summer is almost here, and Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner. Within the next few weeks, you’ll notice an increase of boats on Indiana lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Whether you’re relaxing on a pontoon, skiing being a speedboat, or fishing from your bass boat, be prepared and aware of potential risks while on the water.

Boating While Intoxicated

The most serious—and most common—boating offense is boating while intoxicated (sometimes referred to as BWI). The drunk driver of the waterways is a threat to themselves, passengers, and everyone in or around the water. Boating while intoxicated is both a state and federal offense.

According to the coast guard and the American Boating Association, boating while intoxicated is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. In 2010, the coast guard reported that there were 4,730 recreational boating accidents in the United States and its territories, in which 736 lives were lost. Alcohol is involved in approximately 50 percent of all motorboat-related fatalities.

Wear a Life Jacket

Additionally, almost 75 percent of the fatal accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket.

We encourage you to be responsible and aware of potential risks while enjoying the summer rays on the water.

  Wilson Kehoe Winingham brings you this information with best regards for you and your family’s safety.

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