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SACRAMENTO— The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) urges boaters to operate safely and wear their life jackets this upcoming Labor Day Weekend. As of August DBW has been notified of 29 boating-related fatalities throughout the state.

"Most fatalities occur during the busy summer holiday periods of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends,” said DBW Director Raynor T. Tsuneyoshi. "When waterways get crowded, the chances for collisions increase, so it is important that boaters maintain a proper lookout, abstain from alcohol, and wear life jackets."

Operator inattention is the leading cause of boating accidents, contributing to 44 percent of all California boating accidents in 2007, according to DBW’s 2007 California Boating Safety Report. When boaters are recreating, they may neglect to watch out for other boats. While the operator is ultimately responsible for maintaining a proper lookout, it is a good idea to designate someone else on board to help watch for other traffic, especially on a large boat or in congested areas.

Last year, 45 percent of all boating fatalities reported in California were alcohol-related. DBW continues to remind boaters that a designated driver is not enough on vessels.  Drunken boat passengers can easily fall overboard, swim near the propeller or cause loading problems by leaning over the side or standing up in small vessels, causing vessels to capsize.  Anyone who drinks alcohol on board is at risk.

In 2007, 39 of the 55 victims who died in state boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.  All boaters, including anglers, are urged to always wear life jackets.  New life jackets, including fishing vests that double as life jackets, are compact, lightweight, and more comfortable than the bulky, orange life jackets that most people are used to. 

DBW promotes on-the-water safety and helps develop convenient public access to the waterways through programs funded by vessel registration fees, boating fuel tax dollars and boating facility construction loan payments.

For more information on California boating statistics or safety, visit www.dbw.ca.gov.

“If it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility.”