Northwest recreational boating fatalities increase over first half of 2008

SEATTLE (CG Public Affairs) - The 2008 boating season is still new but recreational boating fatalities have risen to nearly 18 percent higher than this time last year.

As of today, there have been 28 reported recreational boating fatalities in the four Pacific Northwest states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana compared to 23 fatalities by this time last year. What is even more alarming is that 22 of the 28 fatalities could have been prevented if only the persons involved would have been wearing a lifejacket.

Washington State leads with 12 fatalities, up from 11 this time last year. Of those 12, 11 persons were not wearing lifejackets. Though there are laws requiring children 12 years of age and under to wear lifejackets while on a boat two of the 12 fatalities were children.

Of the other three states, Oregon comes in second with eight fatalities, up two from this time last year, Montana with four, up two, and Idaho with four, even with the number of fatalities the previous year.

Alcohol has also played a key roll in recreational boating fatalities. Of the 28 fatalities, alcohol played a significant roll or was a primary cause in six of those deaths. Alcohol use effects those on the water greater that those who are not. Noise, irregular movement, glare and exposure to heat all cause fatigue and an increase in the effect of alcohol. This significantly reduces judgment and reaction time, proving that alcohol and boating do not mix. Nationally 21 percent of all fatal accidents involve alcohol.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon State Marine Board, Washington State Parks, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks strongly urge all boaters to make risk prevention a part of their boating lifestyle. Wearing a lifejacket gives everyone the best chance of surviving a boating accident. Nationally less than nine percent of all adult boaters wear a lifejacket and in 90 percent of all recreational boating fatalities lifejackets were not worn.

Wearing lifejackets saves lives.

Early 2008 Pacific Northwest boating safety stats

• Oregon: 8 total, 7 without lifejackets, 1 Alcohol related
• Washington: 12 total, 11 witout lifejackets, 4 Alcohol related
• Idaho: 4 total, 3 without lifejackets, 1 Alcohol related
• Montana 4 total, 1 without lifejackets, 0 Alcohol related

Same period 2007 Pacific Northwest boating safety stats

• Oregon: 6 total, 5 without lifejackets, 1 Alcohol related
• Washington: 11 total, 9 witout lifejackets, 1 Alcohol related
• Idaho: 4 total, 4 without lifejackets, 0 Alcohol related
• Montana: 3 total, 1 without lifejackets, 0 Alcohol related

Coast Guard Locates Body of Missing Kayaker

Great Lakes, Ill. - Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan located the deceased body of a missing female kayaker today along the shore in Lake Bluff, a few miles south of the Great Lakes Naval Training Facility.

The kayak and a floating lifejacket were also recovered as a part of the search and rescue effort that consisted of two Coast Guard boats from Kenosha, Wis.and Wilmette Harbor, Ill. as well as a rescue helicopter from Waukegan, Ill. Recovery efforts were coordinated with the Lake Bluff Police and Fire Departments.

As kayaking and canoeing continue to rise in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, particular attention should be given to precautionary measures that need to be taken with these types of water activities. Personal flotation devices such as lifejackets should always be worn properly at all times, and float or trip plans should be given to local marinas, family members, or friends.

In addition to lifejackets, appropriate clothing and/or foul weather gear should be utilized, especially during the early months of the summer when the water temperatures remain in the low fifties. In those conditions with the wrong type of clothing or protection, survival times can be limited to 2-6 hours.

The Coast Guard is committed to ensuing that the waters of Lake Michigan remain safe and enjoyable for all to use. Please visit the USCG Boating Safety website at http://www.uscgboating.org/ for additional information concerning safety equipment and safe boating practices.

Coast Guard Detachment Rogue River begins AM radio broadcast

GOLD BEACH, Ore. - The Coast Guard Rogue River Search and Rescue Detachment began broadcasting bar restriction and bar condition information on AM radio channel 1610 today.

Rogue River Search and Rescue Detachment can still be reached at 541-274-7219 or channel 16 VHF-FM for further information or bar report updates.

The Coast Guard also reminds all boaters to pay close attention to Rogue River bar conditions, as changing weather can cause conditions to deteriorate rapidly.

A rough bar warning sign will be posted at the Rogue River Station to notify boaters of any rough bar conditions.

Boaters are reminded to wear lifejackets while operating their boats and to ensure all distress signaling equipment is current and working properly. All vessels should also carry an anchor with enough line attached to anchor their boat at the depth in which they will be operating.