BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Boating safety is in the spotlight as the Fourth of July holiday approaches
Authorities around the region are once again taking part in Operation Dry Water, which includes heightened awareness and enforcement efforts that weekend.
Officials say recently released data from the Coast Guard show that alcohol use remains the primary known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. In addition, 85 percent of people who drowned in a recreational boating incident were not wearing a life jacket.
New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan took a ride-along Tuesday with the State Police Marine Patrol on Lake Winnipesaukee to call attention to their role in boating safety and enforcement. In a release, she says the patrol last year responded to 1,911 calls for service, investigated 41 accidents, and conducted 53 water rescue calls.