National Water Safety Month - 4 Safety Tips
With Memorial Day Weekend coming up in a few short weeks, the official start to the summer season is almost here. Most summers wouldn't be complete without spending some time on the water, especially for people spending their summers at the Lake of the Ozarks. Water-related activities can be endless fun, but unfortunately they can also be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. In recognition of the importance of being safe on the water this summer, May is National Water Safety Month. The team at Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. is here to help you keep yourself and your family safe with these no-nonsense safety reminders.
Water Safety Tips For The Lake Of The Ozarks
People come to the Lake Area for a variety of different reasons - golfing, hiking, camping, shopping, and more. However, it's no secret that the Lake is one of the largest draws to our area. More often than not, out-of-town visitors come to enjoy swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, skiing, and all of the other fun activities that await them on the water.
Partaking in these activities is all well and good, but it is important that you always be alert and conscientious of the necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and your family:
1. Wear A Life Jacket
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the national statistics for 2014 show that of all the drowning victims reported, 84% were not wearing a life jacket. Children ages 7 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket, but all children (and adults) who are not confident swimmers should wear life jackets any time they are out on the water. Even if you are a strong swimmer, you should also wear a life jacket any time you take in any activities where you will be pulled behind the boat (tubing, skiing, etc). Finally, you should have as many life jackets on board as you do passengers at all times.
2. Appoint A Lookout For All Boating Activities
If you ever pull anyone behind your boat for any reason (skiing, tubing, wake-boarding, etc), it is essential that you designate someone to watch the person behind the boat at all times. If they fall into the water, the lookout must alert the boat driver and hold up a red or orange flag. This flag will alert other boaters that there is a swimmer in the water and to exercise extra caution.
3. Designate A Sober Driver
Just like cars, boats should never be operated by an individual who is under the influence of alcohol. Navigating a boat on the Lake of the Ozarks requires a great deal of focus and attention, especially on busy holiday weekends. If you are intoxicated (even slightly), your reaction time and decision making capabilities will be significantly impaired. It is okay for adults to responsibly enjoy alcohol while out on the water, but only if they are not the ones who will be behind the wheel.
4. Watch For Electricity In The Water
Unfortunately, the electric wiring on some of the docks at the Lake of the Ozarks is not grounded properly. In these situations, electric currents may pulse through the water, endangering swimmers who happen to be in the vicinity. Awareness of this danger has significantly increased in the recent years, but it is still important to be on the lookout for the risk. If you feel electricity in the water, do not swim towards the dock. Many swimmers become alarmed when they feel electric currents in the water and try to get out as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, coming closer to and/or touching the dock responsible for the currents can result in serious injury and/or death. Instead, swimmers should move away from the dock in question and find a place to exit the water elsewhere.
Remember PMCW Law If You Are In Need Of Legal Representation
On behalf of everyone at our Lake of the Ozarks law firm, we sincerely hope that you and your family enjoy a safe, fun time out on the water. If for any reason you do find yourself faced with an injury, however, our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here to represent you. Depending your situation, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Visit our website at www.pmcwlaw.com or call us at 573-346-7231 to learn more.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
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Water Safety Tips For The Lake Of The Ozarks
People come to the Lake Area for a variety of different reasons - golfing, hiking, camping, shopping, and more. However, it's no secret that the Lake is one of the largest draws to our area. More often than not, out-of-town visitors come to enjoy swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, skiing, and all of the other fun activities that await them on the water.
Partaking in these activities is all well and good, but it is important that you always be alert and conscientious of the necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and your family:
1. Wear A Life Jacket
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the national statistics for 2014 show that of all the drowning victims reported, 84% were not wearing a life jacket. Children ages 7 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket, but all children (and adults) who are not confident swimmers should wear life jackets any time they are out on the water. Even if you are a strong swimmer, you should also wear a life jacket any time you take in any activities where you will be pulled behind the boat (tubing, skiing, etc). Finally, you should have as many life jackets on board as you do passengers at all times.
If you ever pull anyone behind your boat for any reason (skiing, tubing, wake-boarding, etc), it is essential that you designate someone to watch the person behind the boat at all times. If they fall into the water, the lookout must alert the boat driver and hold up a red or orange flag. This flag will alert other boaters that there is a swimmer in the water and to exercise extra caution.
3. Designate A Sober Driver
Just like cars, boats should never be operated by an individual who is under the influence of alcohol. Navigating a boat on the Lake of the Ozarks requires a great deal of focus and attention, especially on busy holiday weekends. If you are intoxicated (even slightly), your reaction time and decision making capabilities will be significantly impaired. It is okay for adults to responsibly enjoy alcohol while out on the water, but only if they are not the ones who will be behind the wheel.
4. Watch For Electricity In The Water
Unfortunately, the electric wiring on some of the docks at the Lake of the Ozarks is not grounded properly. In these situations, electric currents may pulse through the water, endangering swimmers who happen to be in the vicinity. Awareness of this danger has significantly increased in the recent years, but it is still important to be on the lookout for the risk. If you feel electricity in the water, do not swim towards the dock. Many swimmers become alarmed when they feel electric currents in the water and try to get out as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, coming closer to and/or touching the dock responsible for the currents can result in serious injury and/or death. Instead, swimmers should move away from the dock in question and find a place to exit the water elsewhere.
Remember PMCW Law If You Are In Need Of Legal Representation
On behalf of everyone at our Lake of the Ozarks law firm, we sincerely hope that you and your family enjoy a safe, fun time out on the water. If for any reason you do find yourself faced with an injury, however, our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here to represent you. Depending your situation, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Visit our website at www.pmcwlaw.com or call us at 573-346-7231 to learn more.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
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