HOT SPRINGS — For many boaters, the Labor Day Weekend is the last gasp to enjoy some waves and water before everyone’s focus shifts to football, falling leaves and weekends at deer camp. Keep these tips in mind when enjoying the water during the unofficial end of summer.
Suit Up
Failing to wear a properly fitting life jacket is the number one cause of death on Arkansas’s waters nearly every year. Unfortunately, it’s typically one of the most common regulations where boaters fall short during vessel safety checks.
According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s 2023 Year End Boating Accident Report, only 35 percent of boaters involved in accidents last year were wearing a life jacket. All nine victims of boating fatalities last year were not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.
By law, all children 12 and under must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket any time they are on a boat. The only exception to this is houseboats and other vessels that are not under power and have railings to prevent falling overboard. Everyone else on board a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket available and within easy reach on Arkansas waters.
Keep a Lookout
Distracted driving is a major concern most police officers face on the roads, but mobile phones and other distractions are creeping into Arkansas’s waterways as well. Failure to keep a proper lookout is one of the highest causes of boating incidents each year. This may be from boat drivers looking behind them at a tube or skier being pulled, turning their heads to talk with other passengers while underway, or trying to hammer out a text or look up a location on a cell phone while the vessel is in motion.
Jeremy Risley, Black Bass Program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, can attest to the increase in distracted driving flowing into our waters.
“Last week on Beaver Lake, we had a boater just about run into us while he was on his phone,” Risley said. “We were idling at 3.5 mph, but we still had to slam it in reverse to stop him from running into us.”
Distracted driving also is increasing at the boat ramps, where most boaters will tell you that chaos is not in short supply.
“On holidays especially, you’re going to have more of a chance of younger children and newcomers to the water who may jump out in front of you without thinking,” Risley said. “It only takes a second or two of not paying attention to get into a bad accident at the ramp, it’s not the time to check your texts.”
Buzz-free Boating
For most people on the water, the day really isn’t the same without at least one cold beverage to mellow the mood, but if you’re behind the wheel of a boat, save the revelry and stay sober.
Arkansas game wardens intensify enforcement efforts for boating under the influence during major holidays, particularly Independence Day when a nationwide initiative called Operation Drywater is conducted, but they’re always mindful of people overindulging in alcoholic beverages while on the water. As another major contributor to accidents on the water, boating under the influence can land people in some seriously hot water. Not only can you be fined, but BUI’s carry the same weight as a person behind the wheel of a car, meaning you can be taken immediately to jail and have your driving privileges, including those for road vehicles, revoked.
It’s also important to note that the added stressors of waves, wind and sun can intensify the effects of alcohol on the body. A person who may be able to have one or two beers in the comfort of their home and be unaffected may see some impaired motor skills and judgment from drinking the same amount while sloshing around in the heat. Just like with driving a car, reserve one person to be the designated driver, not only for the boat, but for the car ride home.
The AGFC works hard to keep the state’s waters safe for all users, but game wardens need fellow outdoors enthusiasts to report violations when they see them. The Enforcement Radio Room is available 24 hours a day to handle all calls from concerned citizens. Call 833-356-0824 or text your tip to TIP411 (text “AGFC” followed by your tip). Tips may be kept anonymous unless senders want to identify themselves to claim rewards. Each tipster is eligible for a monetary reward based on the amount of the minimum fine in the event a citation is issued for the violation being reported.
