COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Two children were seriously injured by boat propellers while tubing in Kootenai County over the weekend, prompting the Sheriff’s Office to remind everyone how to safely prepare and avoid potential accidents.
Both victims, described as a teen and a younger child, are expected to recover from their injuries.
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“This past week, specifically, we had two incidents involving boats,” said Sergeant Ryan Miller, patrol sergeant and recreation safety supervisor at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. “We know that there’s a lot of non-reported incidents that are occurring.”
Miller said propeller strikes are not uncommon in the area.
“We usually get at least one or two of these incidents a year when the propeller strikes a person,” Miller said.
KCSO said the weekend incidents involved boat operators who lacked formal boating instruction.
“A lot of what we’re finding is inexperience or a little bit of complacency,” Miller explained.
Idaho is among only five or six states that do not require mandatory boater education, according to Miller. This lack of formal training requirements means many recreational boaters operate watercrafts without understanding basic safety protocols.
“I believe in both these situations, they thought the propellers were not spinning,” Miller said.
KCSO said boating safety begins long before launching onto the water. Proper preparation includes understanding the rules of waterway navigation and becoming familiar with the specific boat being operated.
“[It’s important to] talk about that stuff and kind of rehearse some things and just be ready,” Miller said. “It’s very important. It’s vital. I think a lot of people feel that there’s not too much to a boat.”
Sergeant Miller said it’s important to know your boat and know when and how to shut off the motor before getting out on the water.
“Have safety briefs with your crew and everyone who is on your boat,” he said. “Talk about different things. What’s safe, what’s not safe and what you expect.”
For more information on boating safety, visit www.kcsheriff.com.
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