04-25-2013, 06:10 PM
PIERRE, S.D. - Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed an executive proclamation designating May as Water Safety Month in South Dakota.
The proclamation highlights a variety of water safety issues through safe swimming facilities, pools and programs. It also lends itself to the vast water recreation opportunities South Dakota has in its lakes, rivers and streams.
South Dakota's state parks are popular summer destinations for a day trip to some of the finest swimming beaches in the state. Park visitors are reminded that swimming at state parks is at their own risk, and there are no lifeguards on duty. These are multiple-use areas, and swimmers should also be aware of other water users, such as boaters and fishermen.
May is also the unofficial start to boating season in South Dakota.
"Our lakes and rivers are popular destinations for boaters," said Brandon Gust, boating law administrator for the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks. "That can lead to times when our waters may see heavy boat traffic. Whether crowded or not, common sense and courtesy will help ensure a relaxing and fun outing."
Gust recommends a complete boating safety course.
"Like driving a car, there is much to learn when operating a boat or personal watercraft, even for those who have operated a boat for years," he said. "Statistics show that about 89 percent of all boating fatalities involved an operator that had not received any formal boating-safety instruction. Simply put, nationwide boating safety and educational efforts are saving lives."
Life jackets also save lives.
"Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket," Gust said.
Alcohol and boating do not mix, he added.
"Alcohol use is the leading contributor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 16 percent of those deaths."
For more information on boating in South Dakota, pick up a free copy of The Handbook of South Dakota Boating Laws and Responsibilities from any local GFP office.
The proclamation highlights a variety of water safety issues through safe swimming facilities, pools and programs. It also lends itself to the vast water recreation opportunities South Dakota has in its lakes, rivers and streams.
South Dakota's state parks are popular summer destinations for a day trip to some of the finest swimming beaches in the state. Park visitors are reminded that swimming at state parks is at their own risk, and there are no lifeguards on duty. These are multiple-use areas, and swimmers should also be aware of other water users, such as boaters and fishermen.
May is also the unofficial start to boating season in South Dakota.
"Our lakes and rivers are popular destinations for boaters," said Brandon Gust, boating law administrator for the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks. "That can lead to times when our waters may see heavy boat traffic. Whether crowded or not, common sense and courtesy will help ensure a relaxing and fun outing."
Gust recommends a complete boating safety course.
"Like driving a car, there is much to learn when operating a boat or personal watercraft, even for those who have operated a boat for years," he said. "Statistics show that about 89 percent of all boating fatalities involved an operator that had not received any formal boating-safety instruction. Simply put, nationwide boating safety and educational efforts are saving lives."
Life jackets also save lives.
"Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket," Gust said.
Alcohol and boating do not mix, he added.
"Alcohol use is the leading contributor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 16 percent of those deaths."
For more information on boating in South Dakota, pick up a free copy of The Handbook of South Dakota Boating Laws and Responsibilities from any local GFP office.