Three Killed in Missouri Waterways over Labor Day Weekend
Tragically, three individuals were killed in three separate incidents on the Lake of the Ozarks over Labor Day weekend, according to KMOX.
Two men, one age 18 and one age 24, drowned in separate accidents while a 26 year old woman was crushed when she fell off a boat as it approached a dock. In 2008 and 2009, no water-related deaths occurred over the Labor Day weekends in Missouri.
In addition to these deaths, seven boating injuries occurred in over the holiday weekend. Twenty-seven individuals were arrested for boating while intoxicated in the state.
It’s important for boaters and swimmers to observe basic safety tips to avoid any more tragic accidents such as the ones that occurred over the Labor Day weekend. For boaters, make sure that your boat is equipped with all required safety equipment including life jackets. Do not just bring a life jacket; make sure to wear one while on the water. Do not overload the boat with more passengers than the boat can handle. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, do not drink while boating. Alcohol consumption while boating is one of the major causes of Missouri boating fatalities.
Individuals should never swim alone, even if they are good swimmers. Swim only in designated swimming areas, and do not rely on water wings, a tube or another toy to keep you afloat. And, of course, remember that drinking and swimming do not mix.
Accidents such as the ones that occurred in the Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend are especially tragic because they could have easily been prevented. If you have been injured in a water related accident due to someone else’s negligence, call the experienced Missouri boating accident attorneys at Page Law today at 314-322-8515.
