Date: 9/22/10
Contact: Edwin Lyngar
Phone: (775) 688-1548

NDOW REPORTS NO FATAL BOAT ACCIDENTS STATEWIDE AS SUMMER DRAWS TO A CLOSE

For the first time in 18 years, The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is reporting zero fatal boat accidents on Nevada's waters.

"The boating season draws to its traditional September close in the next couple weeks," said David Pfiffner, Nevada's boating law administrator, and this is great news—no fatalities in Nevada's boating community."

Nevada officials are hesitant to attribute the zero fatality rate to any one cause, according to Pfiffner. "We have had some decrease in boating activity, due to the economy, but we think a number of factors—including the increased efforts to educate boaters- by both NDOW and other boating safety organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is having an effect."

Nevada started a boating education program in 2003, mandating that boaters born on or after January 1, 1983 take a boating education course before operating a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower on Nevada's interstate waters. There have been other initiatives too, including stepped up boating safety enforcement on Lake Tahoe and increased boating under the influence patrols on Lakes Mead and Mohave among many other initiatives over the years.

"We've been working together with NDOW for years to improve education, and we hope this year is the beginning of a long trend," said Dave Law, the Coast Guard Auxiliary liaison to the state of Nevada. "Aside from universal life jacket wear, we think boating education is the best way for boaters to stay safe on the water."

Despite the lack of fatal accidents, there have still been a number of very serious injury accidents in Nevada, including one with a propeller injury at Lake Lahontan and a boat grounding at Lake Mead that seriously injured several people.

"We know some of this statistic is sheer luck," said Pfiffner. "Several of our serious accidents could have ended with someone dying." Still, the numbers show serious accidents trending lower overall, according to Pfiffner, although a full comparison to other years won't be possible until the end of the year.

Boaters who want to take a boating safety class or learn more about NDOWs boating safety program can visit NDOW on the web at www.ndow.org. Through web partners, NDOW offers a number of boating education courses and other information to make boating safer and more enjoyable. Boaters can also take the course in person with the Coast Guard Auxiliary in both the Las Vegas and Reno areas.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.