KEEPING LOUISIANA WATERWAYS SAFE

By Captain Wayne Brescher

We have had a total of 20 boating accidents in Region VII, with 1 fatality, and 21 injuries.  Until the boating public grasps the importance of safe boating practices on our waterways, our accident total will, unfortunately, continue to rise.

Boating is a sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family.  It is suppose to be a fun time for swimming, skiing, tubing, or just enjoying the scenery and being in the outdoors.  However, our waterways continue to become more congested with boating traffic each year.  Competition for the enjoyment and uses of these waterways grows.  Remember to use safe boating practices while operating on our waterways.  Be courteous while afloat and following the rules and regulations. 

Before going out on the water, take steps to make sure your outing is safe and enjoyable.  Make sure all required safety equipment is on board and in good working order.  Depending on the length of your boat, your safety equipment requirements may change.  Consult the handbook of the Louisiana Boating Laws and Responsibilities offered by our Department or call one of our Regional Offices and ask what is required by law for you size boat.  These numbers can be found on the back of your handbook.  Remember, life jackets save lives.  Make sure you have a wearable life jacket for each person on board your boat.  This is required of all recreational boats.  Any child under 13 years of age must have a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket on while the boat is underway.  The child’s jacket must be properly sized and adjusted to fit the child.

 Louisiana Law prohibits anyone from operating a vessel of any kind or manipulating water skills or similar device while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.  A person is considered to be intoxicated if he/she has a blood alcohol concentration of .10g% or greater and is 21 years of age or older, until September 30, 2003, when, by law, it is lowered to .08 g%. Under 21 years of age, a person is considered intoxicated if he/she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02g% or greater.  By operating a vessel upon Louisiana waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs.

Make your outing a safe one.  Don’t drink and drive.  Don’t allow your outing to turn tragic.