9/15/2009
This year, West Virginia boaters have experienced 30 motorboat accidents that have resulted in eight fatalities. To help educate the public about the importance of safe boating, Division of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers will be on hand to offer tips and advice on boating safety and operation during the National Hunting and Fishing Days activities scheduled at Stonewall Resort State Park September 26 and 27.
Various types of Law Enforcement boats will be on display, including those used on whitewater rivers, and conservation officers will be available to answer questions, give tips on how to get the best performance out of your boat and motor, explain navigation laws and regulations, offer safety advice on what to do while docking your boat or while you are underway, and share information on motorboat licensing and safety equipment requirements.
“A conservation officer with years of boating experience will be on hand to answer questions such as ‘what kind of lights do I need on my boat at night’ or ‘what side can I overtake and pass a boat on?’ or ‘explain the Uniform State Waterways Marking System to me,’” said DNR Lt. Jim Vance of the DNR District 3 Law Enforcement Office in Elkins. “While most boaters depend upon common sense, there are laws covering all of these situations much the same as those for operating motor vehicles upon the roadways. Failure of inexperienced boat operators to know or obey these laws has led to many serious accidents on West Virginia waters.”
West Virginia is one of the leading states in boating fatalities based upon the number of registered motorboats. Minor as well as serious injuries which require visits to hospital emergency rooms occur frequently during the summer boating season. Only those accidents which require more than first aid or which result in more than $500 in damages are required to be reported. Many more accidents which do not result in serious injuries or more expensive damage are not reported but occur almost daily, according to Lt. Vance.
“If you plan to attend the National Hunting and Fishing Days event, stop by the law enforcement equipment display,” Lt. Vance said. “The officers and rangers there will be more than happy to answer any question you may have.”
For more information on West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days, including a complete schedule, descriptions of activities, and an event map, go to the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/nathuntfish.shtm.
Contact Information
Lt. Jim Vance
304-637-0245
law@wvdnr.gov