In 2011 there were a total of 66 lake related deaths in Minnesota. Of these deaths, 50 were from drowning and 16 were boating fatalities. In addition, there were 67 non-fatal boating accidents.
In the past ten years, boating fatalities have ranged from 12-30 each year. The causes of these deaths are not made public, however, it is estimated by the DNR that the majority of these deaths are due to driver intoxication. Senior Mackenzie Carlson said, “I think the most common reasons for boating accidents are intoxication and overall carelessness.”
The summer months are the busiest, and the most dangerous, for boaters, especially here in Minnesota. “Lake Minnetonka is a huge destination in the summer due to accessibility to restaurants and people,” said sophomore Madison Martini. This being said, everyone, drivers and passengers, should be aware of boating safety and regulations in Minnesota.
The INAMAR listed the top ten recreational boating safety tips of 2011. The top ten include, always wearing a life jacket, and having plenty on board, never consume alcohol while driving, take a boating safely course and always operate at a safe speed. “It’s obvious when a driver doesn’t operate at an appropriate speed, it can be really dangerous,” stated senior Sophia Sodhi.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol Unit is responsible for all lakes and rivers within the county. They respond to near-drownings, drownings and motor-vehicle accidents. The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District’s (LMCD) motto is, “to protect and preserve Lake Minnetonka.” However, junior Paul Brauchle said, “I think as of now there is not enough patrol on Lake Minnetonka, especially regarding driving while intoxicated.”
People become eligible to test for their boaters license at the age of 12 and are required to have it until they are 17 if they intend to drive a water vehicle. “I think the majority of teen boating drivers do have their boaters license because of the lurking fear of being pulled over,” said Sodhi.
“I think that overall adults understand and enforce the common rules of boating, but teenagers do not understand the implications of carelessness while operating motor vehicles,” said Carlson.
Variety Editor Abbey Challgren for The Spartan Speaks
