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Waterfowlers Should Keep Water Safety In Mind, Life Vest On Body

Frankfort, Ky. - In addition to decoys, shotguns, dogs, hot coffee and calls, waterfowl hunters need to pack the one thing that could save their lives for opening day later this month: their lifejackets.

"The lack of floatation devices is still one of the most common law violations among waterfowl hunters and the most common cause of duck hunter deaths," said Sgt. John Anderson, boating education coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard show more duck hunters die every year from cold water shock, hypothermia and drowning than from accidents involving firearms.

A waterfowl hunting accident on Kentucky Lake last January illustrates these statistics. Three young duck hunters died after their 14-foot johnboat swamped - a fourth hunter managed to survive. The victims were not wearing life jackets. They loaded the boat with shotguns, decoys and a dog, in addition to the weight of four hunters.

Kentucky law requires a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for every person in the boat. There must be one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable device (like a throw cushion) onboard for boats 16 feet or longer. Everyone onboard must possess a life jacket of proper size and type.

Manufacturers produce camouflage life jackets made with the waterfowl hunter in mind. "They have mesh in the upper body that allows you to shoulder a gun," Andersonsaid. "That way, you don't have to take off the vest when you shoot and it will also help to keep you warm when those cold winter winds come blowing across the water."

A life jacket doesn't do much good stuffed into a decoy sack if an accident occurs.

"You just don't have time," Anderson said. "Trying to put on a life jacket during a boating accident would be like trying to buckle a seat belt during a car crash."

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife discourages hunters from wearing hip boots or waders in the boat. Hunters drowned while trying to take their waders off after falling into the water or their boat sunk or capsized.

"Falling into deep water releases any air trapped in the boots and can have the effect of binding the victim's feet together so they can't kick or stay afloat," Anderson said. "However, if you do suddenly enter the water, by pulling your knees up to your chest, air trapped in the hip boots or waders can act as a flotation device in an emergency."

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recommends the following safety tips for waterfowl hunters:

* Wear a life jacket to and from the blind.
* Don't overload the boat; make two trips if necessary.
* Don't wear hip boots and waders in the boat.
* Stay near shore and avoid crossing large open water areas, especially during bad weather.
* Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back; tell someone to call authorities if you don't return on schedule.
* If the boat capsizes or swamps, stay with your boat - even when filled with water, it will provide flotation and is more likely to be seen by potential rescuers.
* It is a good idea to bring your cell phone along in a waterproof, resealable bag to call for help if you get into trouble. You can use the phone without removing it from the bag.

Most waterfowl seasons open this month. For season dates and more information on waterfowl hunting in Kentucky, consult the 2009-2010 Kentucky Hunting Guide for Waterfowl, available wherever hunting licenses are sold. You may request one by calling 1-800-858-1549 or log onto the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife homepage atfw.ky.gov.

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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.