Safe Boating Tips Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of the summer boating season. It could also be a big weekend for boating accidents, according to Lt. Colonel Bill Daniel, Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement for the Division of Natural Resources. It is estimated that as many as 50 people could die on U. S. Waters in Memorial Day weekend boating accidents, and many more could lose their lives before summer ends. Most of these deaths could be avoided if boaters followed some simple safety rules says Daniel. Life jackets are essential.
Most boating accidents happen when someone falls overboard or capsizes their boat.
Nine out of ten people who drown in boating accidents aren't wearing a life jacket. More than half of all fatal boating accidents nationwide involve alcohol. Don't drink and boat. Get a weather forecast before you go. While underway, watch the weather and pay attention to changing weather patterns.