Published: July 01, 2009 09:01 pm      

Officials urge water safety

EDMOND — Officials from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are urging boaters to be aware of the law and to exercise caution as they prepare to celebrate Independence Day.

“The Fourth of July weekend always means increased traffic on our state’s lakes and rivers,” said Lt. Kurt McKean, director of Training and Education for the OHP Lake Patrol. “It’s a great time to get out and enjoy the water, but we want everyone to be safe and to observe the law while they’re celebrating the holiday.”

Sabrina Mackey, communications manager for OHSO, said alcohol consumption on the water also affects a person’s driving once he or she is back on land.

“Drunk on the water equals drunk on the road,” Mackey said. “We want Oklahoma drivers to be safe both while they’re boating and when they return to their vehicles.”

McKean said it is illegal to have liquor or alcoholic beverages exceeding 3.2 percent alcohol by volume on any boat or water craft, and glass bottles are prohibited.

Boating while under the influence of alcohol is particularly risky behavior, he said.

“Unlike automobile crashes, most boating crashes do result in a fatality,” McKean said.

Since alcohol can inhibit a person’s judgment and impair reaction time, drinking while swimming or engaging in water sports is also dangerous, he said.

“We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the holiday, but to use good judgment and obey the law. Remember that being out in the heat intensifies the effect of alcohol on the body, so plan accordingly.”

McKean said it is important to know that a person who is charged for boating under the influence also will be subject to fines and possible jail time.

According to OHP statistics, 13 people died in boating crashes in 2008. July showed the most boating incidents, with 16 reported on lakes statewide.