Boating accidents down in ‘02, but fatalities rise

Friday, May 9, 2003 | 9:32 a.m.

NEVADA DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

Boating accidents were down sharply despite an increase in boating fatalities in the state last year, according to a report compiled by the Nevada Division of Wildlife.

Boating accident numbers for 2002 showed some surprising conclusions. There were just more than 120 boating accident reports for the year, down from 152 the year before. At the same time boating fatalities were up sharply.

"We are pleased that the total accidents went down, but the rise in the seriousness of these accidents is worrisome," said Fred Messmann, NDOW's boating law administrator.

The average number of accidents has been relatively stable in recent years, averaging 161 per year over the past five years. This year's numbers are about 24 percent lower than the five-year average. Eight people died on Nevada's waterways in 2002, well above the 10-year average of about five per year.

Alcohol was a contributing factor in half of all fatalities. Half of the boaters killed last year had gone swimming from their boats. The numbers suggest that if boaters take precautions when swimming from a boat and avoid alcohol, they can seriously reduce their risk of serious injury while boating.

NDOW tracks fatalities and accidents each year to uncover trends that can be used to reduce boating accidents and death.

"We don't just put this information in a drawer to collect dust," said Messmann.

"Many of these incidents we see are both predictable and preventable if boaters use care. Our message for boating safety week and this boating season is that boaters can control some of the risks they take."

Boating Safety Week -- May 17-23 -- is the kick off to the boating season and it's a good opportunity for boaters to renew their knowledge of safe and responsible boat operation. There is still a great deal of work to do to make Nevada's waters safer, he said.