Boaters Warned Of Dangers Latest Deaths A Reminder About Threat Of Hypothermia
Idaho waters have claimed 13 lives so far this year, bringing the number of boating fatalities to a six-year high.
The latest drownings, at Cascade Reservoir on Monday, involved one Boise man who was described as a good swimmer, and another who apparently did not know how to swim.
“It can happen to anybody. It doesn’t matter what their skill level is, if they let their guard down,” said Ann Van Buren, boating safety education coordinator for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
Steven Lee Ward, 21, and Iker Martin Goitiandia, 19, were wearing work clothes and boots when their canoe capsized.
Neither wore a life vest.
“It was a clear sky, there were a lot of stars out, but no one will know why they were out there. I have no reasons,” said Valley County Sheriff Lewis Pratt.
“I think we can safely say the accident was alcohol-related; whether alcohol was a contributing factor, we don’t know.”
Pratt said the two likely died of hypothermia.
“In my mind, nobody has any business going out into a lake or reservoir or river at night this late in the year,” Van Buren said.
“They’re asking for disaster.”
For an unprepared boater, a combination of 20 mph wind, water temperatures between 38 to 42 degrees and air temperatures dipping into the teens can be deadly.
But even icy winter water does not deter diehard kayakers, duck hunters and anglers.
“I’m still going out - as long as the ice doesn’t cover the water,” said Dr. Paul Collins, an orthopedic surgeon in Boise and longtime kayaker.
“I’m not going to call it a dangerous sport. I consider driving Idaho 55 up to the Payette the most dangerous part of the trip.”
“If it’s cold out, dress yourself so you wouldn’t mind jumping in the water,” Collins said.
“And you’ve got to know your limits and know the river.”
Van Buren suggests winter boaters enroll in safety courses to learn what to do if they find themselves in frigid waters.
She also advises anyone in a boat to wear a life jacket.