Boat safely — Lifejackets save lives

Boat safely — Lifejackets save lives

Our state boasts 600,000 acres of beautiful lakes. I hope all of you can get out and enjoy our waterways this summer.

As many of you may be planning on some fun on the water soon, I want to remind you of a few laws we have on the books to protect Arkansans on the water.

In 1995, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 517 which made it mandatory that everyone under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket when they are in a moving boat. It also states that there must be a life jacket on board for every single individual regardless of age.

The bottom line is life jackets save lives.

I also want to remind Arkansans about Rachel's Law.

This prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from operating a personal watercraft. A personal watercraft is a recreational vehicle typically sold under the brand names of Jet Ski, Wave Runner, or Sea-Doo.

And remember the same laws apply for vehicles in the water as they do out on the road when it comes to alcohol.

In 2015, there were 56 boating accidents in our state.

Last year, 9 of the 56 total accidents involved alcohol and/or drugs as either a primary or contributing factor, thus making alcohol a factor in 16 percent of all accidents. In fatality accidents however, alcohol and/or drug use as a factor increased dramatically to 55 percent. In other words if the boater/victim was consuming alcohol or drugs during the accident it was more likely to result in a fatality.

Be sure to check with the Corps of Engineers before heading out to Greers Ferry Lake. E.

coli levels forced the closer of the swim beach earlier this week. It will be reopened when bacterial levels are back to an acceptable range.

I hope all of you have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Before you head out on the water this summer, be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the laws and safety precautions. You can find a complete list on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website at www.agfc.com.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson