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
573-751-1000
WPD2011131
1-31-2011

EMPHASIS: Dock Safety Urged In Anticipation Of Major Weather Event

Major Thomas E. Roam, director of the Water Patrol Division, reminds dock owners to keep safety in mind with the pending winter weather warnings. Similar past forecasts of ice and heavy snow combinations have caused major damage to boat docks due to collapses under the extra weight. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to caution dock owners about attempting to remove snow and ice from their docks during inclement weather. It is very easy to accidentally end up in the water. Due to the extreme cold water, hypothermia can set in quickly and render a person helpless in the water. If dock owners insist on being on docks during icy conditions, life jackets should always be worn. Wet clothing makes it very difficult to stay afloat and it is nearly impossible to remove wet clothing while in the water. Use the buddy system to make sure that someone is there to assist you if you end up in the water. Other points to remember are that damaged electric wires around docks may be live, so treat all damaged wires as if they are live. In the event that major dock damage is caused in any one area boaters are asked to avoid unneeded operation in those areas. Any boats operating in areas of major dock damage are encouraged to operate at no wake idle speed, so as to not cause further damage to docks already under the added stress off heavy snow and ice.


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