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Accidents remind watercraft users to follow water regulations
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Last year a reported 30 people died in boating accidents in Minnesota, according to the Department of Natural Resources. An additional 135 people were injured in boating accidents. This year the Fourth of July marked the first documented water-related accidents of the summer, reminding swimmers, tubers and water craft operators the importance of water safety. For three people, what began as a day of sunshine and water activities ended with airlifts and hospital escorts. Shaunee Lee Chut, 21, of Hastings was enjoying a tube ride when she was thrown onto her back against the sharp waves of Goodners Lake. When most people were outdoors watching fireworks later that evening, Chat was in the St. Cloud Hospital where she was kept for observation overnight. Not much later at a different location, Daniel Joseph Geise,25, of Freeport and Clint Alan Rademacher, 26, of Holdingford were gliding over the friendly surf of Pelican Lake on their Jet Skis when they collided. Rademacher administered CPR to an unconscious Geise who was later airlifted to the St. Cloud Hospital. For Rademacher, the experience reinforced the importance of knowing how to administer CPR, and do so properly. “It’s something boaters and young people should know,” Rademacher said. “I learned CPR and First Aid when I was little and have had refresher courses since and it can help save someone’s life.” Since 1970, over 4,000 people have been injured in boating accidents. CPR is just one important part of water safety, a much bigger issue that must be readdressed every summer. DNR state conservation officer Brian Mies said the best way to avoid water-related accidents is to be informed. “Before you go boating, you need to know the laws,” he said. According to Mies, there are several laws that are commonly disregarded by water lovers. Life jackets “Every person has to have a life jacket,” Mies said. On all boats, regardless of length, there must be a life jacket for every person on board. But there are additional requirements for longer boats. “Any boat over 16-feet must have a throw cushion,” said Brian Stiles, Kimball police officer and part time McLeod County boat and water patrol deputy. Stiles said personal floatation devices need not be worn on these boats, just available. How-ever, the rules are a bit more strict for personal watercrafts (Jet Skis, water scooters). “Jet Skiers must wear life jackets,” Mies said. Life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard approved. “Wearing life jackets is very important,” Rademacher said. “They can save lives.” Boat and water patrol deputies can issue a $95 ticket to anyone who does not abide by the life jacket requirements. Registration “All watercrafts 9-feet or longer, as well as all motorized watercrafts must be registered with DNR and display their permits,” Mies said. Three-year permits can be purchased at any deputy registrar of motor vehicles or the DNR License Center in St. Paul, and they vary in cost based on the use type and length of the craft. Licenses must be displayed on the craft, and the letters of the license must be at least three inches high, of a block character and contrast with the craft’s background. Boat and water patrol can issue a $120 ticket to any owner of an unregistered craft. Boats and personal watercraft “All boats must display navigational lights after sunset,” Mies said. Non-motorized boats must display a white lantern or flashlight at this time. Failing to do so can result in a $95 fine. The operation of personal watercrafts, such as Jet Skis, must cease an hour before sunset. Those who chose to operate these devices after sunset may be subject to a $120 fine. “The idea is to give wildlife a break,” Mies said. “Personal watercraft are loud and people deserve a break from the noise and so does the wildlife.” Boats and Jet Skis are also required to operate 150-feet away from shore and anchored boats and rafts, unless they are traveling at a low wake speed. “Just maintain a reasonable, safe, distance from other boats,” Stiles said. “It’s common sense.” Tubes and water skis “Boats or Jet Skis that are pulling someone on a tube or skis need mirrors or an observer if there is only the driver present,” Mies said. The presence of the mirrors or an additional set of eyes afford the driver the ability to pay complete attention to his surroundings while the spotter keeps track of the tuber or skier. “Having an observer allows the boat driver to give lake traffic his complete attention,” Stiles said. Stiles also recommended that the rope used to pull the tuber be no longer than 100-feet so it doesn’t tangle. The fine for towing a tube with no observer is $120. Although these are just a few of the more commonly broken rules Mies and Stiles have to address, there are many other rules and regulations of which watercraft users should be aware. “Drinking and driving is driving under the influence, drinking and boating is boating under the influence,” Stiles said. “BUIs are treated the same way as DUIs. There is a mandatory court appearance, possible fines, possible jail time and it affects your driving record.” Even drinking soda can get boaters in trouble, IF they decide to pitch the can or bottle over the side of the boat. “For one pop can, there is a $135 fine,” Mies said.