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BOATERS BEWARE OF LOW WATER
Drought has exposed hazards
on many reservoirs
PRATT -August 4, 2005- While reservoirs in eastern
portions of Kansas
are currently holding water at normal levels, drought conditions
across much of the rest of the state require that boaters be
especially cautious. Large reservoirs in northcentral and
northwestern Kansas range from 5 to 25 feet low, and continued
irrigation and dry conditions will worsen without substantial
rainfall. As a result, hazards such as tree stumps, old bridge
frames, road beds, buildings, or rock ledges are now closer to
the
surface.
Under these conditions, boaters should keep a keen
eye
out for hazards because it is not possible to mark each one with
a
buoy. The most common boating-related claim reported to insurance
companies is lower-end hull damage. Striking an object that is
underwater can cause a boater to lose control of the boat. At
this
point, passengers or the operator could be ejected. In some cases,
loss of control results in an accident with another boat. The
following tips can lessen the chances of an accident:
· it is the boater's responsibility to watch
for hazards, no
matter what the water conditions;
· high or low water conditions will create
hazards not seen
when the lake is at normal level. Boaters who use the same lake
daily
are lulled into a false sense of security because they know the
lake;
· everyone in the boat should wear life
jackets. Should they
be ejected from the boat, the life jacket will help them survive.
Many people killed in boating accidents nationwide drown because
they were not wearing a life jacket;
· do not drink and boat. Balance, coordination,
judgment, and
visual acuity are impaired by alcohol; and
· slow down to allow time for a course correction
if a hazard
appears.
For more information on water conditions at Kansas
lakes, phone the nearest state park office.
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