LARAMIE – During the boating seasons of the last five years, Wyoming experienced 19 boating related fatalities. This season there has already been one. Fatalities were attributed to cold-water drowning, and many could have been avoided.

                “Life jackets are the single most important item in boat safety,” says Roger Bredehoft, Laramie game warden. According to Wyoming Watercraft Regulations, a serviceable life jacket or personal flotation device of correct size must be available for every passenger, and the G&F recommends wearing them.

                “People think that if they fall over the side, or if the boat capsizes, they may go under once, but will come up and have a chance to put on their PFD, but this is not always the case,” says Bredehoft. “When a boater lands in cold water they often gasp, it’s a reflex, and they may never get their head above water. Even if they do, floating in 50-degree water is not the best time to be struggling with buckles and straps.”

                Even if a person is wearing a PFD, being submerged in Wyoming’s cold water could prove deadly. “Water temperatures are only in the 50 degree range this time of year, making hypothermia a serious risk,” says Bredehoft.

Hypothermia means losing heat faster than your body can produce it, and immersion in water below 70-degrees can lead to cold-water immersion hypothermia (acute hypothermia) very quickly.

                “The chance of survival is poor the longer you’re in the cold water,” says Bredehoft. Boaters should seek medical help immediately if anyone begins to show signs of hypothermia including uncontrollable shivering, overall poor coordination, slurred speech, memory lapse, muscle rigidity, drowsiness and unconsciousness.

                “Most boaters know that boating under the influence of alcohol is illegal and life threatening. Many boaters have a designated operator if they choose to drink,” says Bredehoft. “We encourage everyone to consider this before they head out: 50 percent of all drowning victims have been drinking and one-third of drowning victims were legally intoxicated; 60 percent of all drowning victims did not intend to be in the water -- they either fell or were pushed into the water.”  

                Jumping in to save victims, unless you are trained, is not a good idea either. According to water safety experts, people who jump in to save a friend or family member, often end up drowning too.

                Boating accidents can also be caused by equipment that is in poor operating condition. Boats should be soundly built, free of fire and safety hazards, and should contain all of the safety equipment that is required by the Wyoming Watercraft Regulations.

                Even if a boat and its equipment are in top condition many other factors that can cause boating accidents, and weather is a big one. Anyone who has lived in Wyoming for even a short time knows how quickly the weather can change. A calm, cloudless day can suddenly become stormy and a small gust of wind can quickly turn into 20 to 35 mile-per-hour sustained winds. “Plan for poor weather conditions,” Bredehoft said. “Know what you and your boat can handle before you go out.”

                And finally, boaters should be familiar with the Wyoming Watercraft Regulations, which are available at any Game and Fish office or at the G&F web page at , or by calling your local Game and Fish Office for more information.

                We encourage you to play safe; don’t be a statistic this boating season.

(contact: Michelle Zitek (307) 745-4046)

-WGFD-