The heartbreaking death of eight people who had been celebrating a birthday in an open boat on Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada on Saturday is a tragic reminder that no matter how benignly a day begins, being on the water carries inherent risks. In all, 10 people were in the 27-foot Chris-Craft when a sudden and not-predicted thunderstorm raced in from the high peaks. The boat was in a precarious location as wind-driven waves built up, crossing nearly the entire 22-mile length of the lake. It apparently overturned, throwing everyone aboard into 58-degree water. Two people were rescued; the bodies of the others were recovered over the course of the next two days. Officials have not reported whether the victims were wearing life jackets.
As of this year, all power boat operators in New York State must have a boating safety certificate, which is obtained after taking a detailed course and passing a final exam with a grade of 80 or above. Rental boat companies must provide basic safety instruction before clients leave the dock. Under the regulations, all boats must carry an appropriately sized, Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard. Good practice is for everyone to wear one, especially weak swimmers, though many boaters eschew this advice. Federal law requires children under 13 to wear their life jackets except when below deck or in an enclosed cabin. In addition, boats must carry at least one certified throwable item, such as a life ring or cushion. Life jackets must be readily accessible and cannot be locked away or stored beneath other items.
Like sunscreen and something cool to drink, life jackets should always be thought of as essential items on a boat.
If common sense does not convince boaters to put safety first, perhaps statistics can: According to a study commissioned by the Coast Guard, 85 percent of boat drownings were of people not wearing life jackets.