In the wake of four drowning incidents in Wisconsin over the holiday weekend along with several other boat collisions recently, DNR Section Chief for Recreation Programs Todd Schaller reminds us that a boating accident can happen in a split second.
For people in and out of the water, he says it’s important to beware of boats nearby, observe the right of way when passing other boats and wear a life jacket.
“About 80 percent of our boating fatalities involve individuals who don’t wear life jackets.”
Schaller also says like a designated driver the boat operator is should not be consuming alcohol. Others drinking should do so responsibly.
Three persons drowned in boat related incidents in Waupaca, Green Lake and Polk Counties. A man in Polk County also drowned after diving head first from a dock into shallow water.