Boating Accidents on the Rise Amid COVID-19 Threat

There are a lot of Louisiana residents who practice social distancing by choice almost every weekend. Those individuals usually head out to a lake, stream, bayou, or bay in a boat to do some fishing. Even when you bring a partner with you there is ample distance from one end of the boat to the other so you won't be cramping any COVID-19 regulations.

However, the desire of Louisiana residents to leave their homes and take to the water during this time of social distancing has created a spike in boating accidents across the state in recent weeks.

Sgt. Stuart Guillory with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries told KPLC TV that the spike in accidents is happening because of one simple reason.

We’re thinking that it’s from people just wanting to get out and about move around and get out of the house. With that increase in boat traffic, we’re seeing an increase in boating accidents.

So, it's basically a numbers game. With more boats and boaters on the water, there will naturally be an increase in the potential for boating-related accidents. LDWF agents will continue their patrols of the state's waterways and yes, they will be looking for violators.

Agents will pay particularly close attention to large gatherings of people be it on the shore or on the water that violates the Governors Stay-at-Home order. Those who are found in violation of the order or any state statute will be punished accordingly.

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