San Andreas, CA…The Calaveras County Marine Safety Division has been especially busy this year. While recreating on the many lakes in the county can be enjoyable, failing to follow safe boating operation can lead to major property damage or serious injury. The following are a few calls for service that required a response from a Marine Safety Deputy the week of July 20th thru July 26th:

July 21st boater assist on New Melones- Subjects reported they were having engine trouble and needed a tow back to the marina.

July 22nd Jet Ski accident at New Melones. While riding as a passenger on a personal watercraft, a 26 year old female sustained minor injuries to her upper body when the driver made sharp turns while traveling at high speeds causing the female to be thrown off.

July 23rd- A report of an overdue fisherman on Lake Hogan. While searching for the subject a citizen located the victim’s boat near the Whiskey Creek area. Shortly after locating the boat they found the 83 year old victim deceased in the water. An investigation was initiated to determine the cause of the accident. At this time no foul play is suspected.

July 23th- Major injury boating accident Lake Camanche. A personal watercraft and boat collided causing major injury to a personal watercraft operator. The operator was flown via an air ambulance to a Valley Hospital for a major injury to the lower extremity.

July 26th -Boating accident at Lake Hogan. Vessel completely sunk when operator failed to secure the plug in the hull prior to launching.

So far this year the Marine Safety Division (Sergeant Villegas and Deputy Belshe) have handled 16 boating accidents (all due to inattention on one or both parties), three drownings (none of the drowning victims had lifejackets on), assisted over 76 disabled vessels and issued 112 citations. The following are some safety tips from the Marine Safety Division to ensure your boating and water activities are conducted in a safe manner.

• While a vessel is underway every passenger under 13 years old shall wear a life jacket.
• Each vessel must have one wearable US coast guard approved life jacket readily available for each passenger.
• Lifejackets must be in “serviceable” condition meaning not torn rotted or in bad condition.
• It is a violation of the law for anyone under the age of 16 to operate a personal watercraft. In addition EVERY operator and passenger are required to wear a coast guard approved lifejacket while underway.
• This year everyone operating a vessel in any waterway in California must have a California Boater Card in their possession if 35 years old or under. Next year it will be 40 and under.
• Make sure your vessel is in good working order (engine, battery etc).
• Fire extinguisher – Just because you’re on the water doesn’t mean you can’t have an onboard fire. All passengers should know the location of your fire extinguisher and how to use it.
• Always swim within your own ability. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay out of the deep or fast-moving water.
• Each body of water has its own hazards. Use a life vest when swimming in water with low visibility. Several bodies of water have varying topography, some with sharp drop-offs. Enter the water feet first. Never dive headfirst into the water if you do not know how deep it is.