NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO 65102
| For further information contact: | Sergeant Gerard G. Callahan Public Information Director Phone: (573) 751-3333 E-mail: Jerry.Callahan@mswp.dps.mo.gov |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City
Fatality Free Weekend on the Water for Labor Day Holiday- Drownings, boating deaths down for the year.
For the second year in a row, the Missouri State Water Patrol reported no fatalities on Missouri's waterways over the Labor Day holiday weekend. There were six injuries reported over the weekend stemming from boat accidents. Less boating traffic, due to cooler temperatures, may have played a role.
Fatalities as a whole have been lower in 2009 than in recent years. Missouri has recorded almost 50 percent fewer drownings on state waterways in 2009, year to date, compared to both 2007 and 2008. There have been 23 drownings statewide, year-to-date, compared with 42 in both 2007 and 2008 during the same time period. Deaths from boat accidents are also down significantly in 2009 compared with 2008. There have been 11 boating fatalities year to date compared with 17 boating fatalities during the same time period in 2008.
As the weather cools, boating traffic will be dominated by sportsmen out to fish or hunt. It is important to keep boating safety in mind when fishing or hunting since it's easy to become distracted during these activities.
All boaters should prepare for potential emergencies by making plans before getting out on the water. While the peak boating season has passed us by, it is no time to become lax with safe boating practices. In fact, with fewer boats on the water, it's even more important to ensure your boat is in good working order before heading out. Also, be sure to keep in mind the earlier sunsets and cooler night temperatures.
News Release ID: N07090165
Release Date: 20090908
