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JBSA News
NEWS | May 18, 2009

Boating Safety is focus during 101 CDOS

By Sean Bowlin 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Boating accidents in Texas took the lives of 61 people in 2008.

During National Safe Boating Week this week and throughout the 101 Critical Days of Summer, being safe on the water is a concern for any Airman who decides to launch a boat on Texas waterways. 

"There are so many lakes, rivers and areas around the coast not too far away," said Linda Howlett, 12th Flying Training Wing Safety ground safety manager, "and with year-round good weather and a lot of people drinking while boating, it can be just as dangerous as driving a car while intoxicated. We don't want to lose any of our people on the water." 

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Capt. Daniel Villalobos, there are three measures any Airman can take to boat safely: take a boater education course, wear a life jacket and don't operate a boat while drinking. 

"If you are going to have alcohol aboard a boat, have a designated driver," the captain said. 

Capt. Villalobos said recreational boating safety is a primary area of responsibility of Texas game wardens, who oftentimes have to issue citations for lack of water safety. 

The most common citations issued are for not having enough life jackets on board a boat and for children under the age of 13 not wearing a life jacket. It is a state law that all children younger than 13 must wear a life jacket while in a boat less than 26 feet in length which is underway. 

Game wardens also enforce the Boating While Intoxicated law. A person who either appears to be impaired or has a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher while operating a boat can be arrested for BWI. 

The penalties for BWI are a jail term of up to 180 days, a fine of as much as $2,000, or both. Additionally, the operator's driver's license may be suspended. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials said alcohol plays a role in 50 percent of all boating accidents. Additionally, nearly 85 percent of boating fatality victims were not wearing a life jacket. 

Department statistics shows that a typical boating accidental fatality involves an open motorboat, usually happens on weekends between the hours of noon and 7 p.m., involves a victim falling overboard and the boat operator is usually from 26 to 50 years old. 

Officials also say that even though there are no numerical speed limits on the water, game wardens can issue citations for excessive speed or reckless operation. It's vital to use common sense while driving a boat and operate at a safe speed, especially in crowded areas, Captain Villalobos said. 

Other safety hints state officials give are to always have one passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the boat operator. The lookout should watch out for low water areas or submerged objects in the water. 

Personal water-craft operators and passengers, like those on jet skis, are required by state law to wear a life jacket. It's important that before you borrow or rent a boat or jet ski, to take the time to learn how to operate the vessel and to learn the rules of the waterway, said Captain Villalobos. 

It's also crucial, state officials said, to obey the 50-foot rule while on the water. That means maintain a 50-foot distance from other water craft, people, shore or stationary platforms unless operating at idle speed. 

Officials advise boaters to get weather and sea advisories and talk to Texas Parks officials, or if on the coast Coast Guard officials, about water, weather and other safety conditions and considerations. 

In the greater San Antonio area, only one boater died in 2008. It was in an accident that involved alcohol on Canyon Lake, Capt. Villalobos said, and the low number is a local trend that state, federal and local officials would like to see continue through 2009, even as low lake levels make navigation more difficult.