Boating crash incidents and boating-related fatalities increased by twenty percent in 2020. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck said the pandemic has caused an increase in the number of boaters out on the water.
“We’ve had a lot more people that have had to stay home because of quarantine. We’ve had a lot more people utilize the outdoors in the past year, which is exactly what we want people to do but we also want people to do it in a very safe manner,” said Einck.
In 2020 the state recorded 162 incidents compared to 135 in 2019 and 24 fatalities last year an increase of four from 2019.
So far in 2021 three boating fatalities have been reported which includes two 15-year old boys in Caldwell Parish. The operator of the boat has been charged with vehicular homicide and operating a vessel while intoxicated.
Einck said while they haven’t seen a trend for the uptick of boating incidents, they do however equate the increase to more traffic on the waterways. As for fatalities, they do see a common thread.
“Almost everyone that we recover from the waterways that are deceased was found without wearing a lifejacket. Just doing the simple task of wearing that life jacket when you’re underway, it could save your life,” said Einck.
Of the 24 fatalities last year 20 were recovered without lifejackets. Einck said anyone 16 years of age or younger is required to wear a lifejacket. He said they make a variety of personal floatation devices so invest in one that you’ll wear.
“Just find something you’re very comfortable with something you don’t mind wearing all day, that’s the biggest factor I feel,” said Einck.
LDWF said in 2020, four of the 24 boating fatalities involved alcohol. Nationwide alcohol is the leading contributor to fatal boating accidents, causing 19 percent of all boating deaths.