Boating season is here: Survive the fun – wear a jacket
Online course ready for state’s new mandatory boating education law
MADISON – As boat operators prepare for this summer’s open water boating season, state recreational safety specialists are reminding them that life jackets are required for each occupant aboard a boat and that Wisconsin also has a new mandatory safety education law.
“Today’s life jackets are lightweight, compact, and a lot more comfortable,” notes Roy Zellmer Department of Natural Resources boating law administrator. “And they are the most important item for your boat. Think of them similar to the bike helmet for a bicyclist or a hard hat for a construction worker. They’re key to staying safe while having fun aboard your boat this season.”
Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show that in 2006 unexpected capsizing and falls overboard accounted for 85 percent of all boating accidents, and that roughly 90 percent of all boaters who do drown are not wearing a life saving jacket.
“And, mixing alcohol with a high-speed motor on a watery track is a recipe for disaster,” Zellmer said.
New mandatory boating education law
Zellmer also said all boaters – state residents and nonresidents alike – are bound by a new state law to complete a boating safety course if they were born in or after 1989.
“Eventually, this law will cover all residents,” he said. “However, the phase-in is on. And completing a safety course is a great idea whether the law mandates it or not.”
Courses may be completed in person or on line. The Department of Natural Resources has more information about the course – both online and classroom – on its Boating Safety Web page.
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/boated.htm“Summer is such a great time in Wisconsin – with its 15,000 lakes and roughly 45,000 miles of streams and rivers,” Zellmer said. “Stay safe and you can enjoy yourself year after year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Roy Zellmer - (608) 264-8970 or Regional recreational safety wardens: DNR Northeast Region April Dombrowski, Oshkosh Service Center – (920) 303-5443; DNR Northern Region, Jeff Dauterman, Antigo Service Center - (715) 623-4190 or Chris Wunrow, Spooner Service Center - (715) 635-4112; DNR West Central Region, William Yearman, Eau Claire Service Center - (715) 839-3717; DNR South Central Region, Catherine Nooyen - (608) 275-3253 or DNR Southeast Region, John Bronikowski, Sturtevant Service Center - (262) 844-2383 or John Plenke, Waukesha Service Center - (262) 574-2163
