Boating Fatalities Have Increased in Washington State

SEATTLE, Wa.  The Coast Guard reported on Friday that boating fatalities have increased 13% in Washington state compared with the same period last year.  Of those deaths, 22 people were not wearing life jackets.

So far, in 2008 Washington State leads the nation in boating fatalities.  Alcohol appears to have been involved in a handful of these cases.  Wearing life jackets is not legally required in Washington, but the failure to wear one appears to be a leading contributing factor in boating fatalities.  People should wear a lifejacket as a matter of habit, just like wearing a helmut while bike riding or going on a motorcycle.

Operator error is also a likely contributing factor.  People who are careless or negligent while operating a boat or other water craft can cause serious harm and even death to other passengers.  Children should always wear a lifejacket.  Please don't drink and boat and be careful this summer!