MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Water Patrol Division, Post Office Box 568, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0568


News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Jerry Callahan
573-751-3313
WPD20110729
July 29, 2011

EMPHASIS: Highway Patrol Urges Water Safety As Fatalities Rise Along With Summer Temperatures

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has seen a rise in the number of fatalities on Missouri’s waterways along with the rise in summer temperatures. Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, urges the public to remember basic water safety when in or around the water, and while boating or swimming. In most years, when the summer temperatures hit their peak, troopers respond to more fatalities on the water, where people flock to escape Missouri’s summer heat. The month of July has seen 14 fatalities on the water, nine of which have occurred in the last seven days. Some of the common elements associated with these most recent tragedies have been lack of or no swimming ability and not using lifejackets.

“Availability and use of lifejackets and other safety devices should be a vital part of our plans for enjoying Missouri’s lakes and rivers,” said Col. Replogle. “This is especially true for children and people with weak or no swimming ability.”

Last year in Missouri, there were 14 boating fatalities and 50 drowning deaths on state’s waterways. So far this year, troopers have investigated 10 boating fatalities and 23 drownings.

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