Recreational activities like boating and kayaking are common hobbies for many people. However, without professional experience and assistance, these fun activities may result in serious injuries or death. That was unfortunately the case recently when a man died in a boating accident in Illinois. The victim was a 49-year-old man who was an Illinois State Police master sergeant. The body of the victim was recovered from Glenn Shoals Lake after a three-hour search.
The boating accident happened late last month. A lake resident reported that a man fell out of his boat. The caller saw the man in the water. The boat’s engine was still engaged, and the boat was encircling him, but the concerned citizen lost sight of the man after a couple of minutes. The lake resident called 911. With great haste, a fire department dive team arrived at the scene and used two sonar devices to search for the victim. The search lasted for almost three hours before the victim was found dead. An autopsy confirmed that drowning was the cause of death.
According to police, the victim was working on a lake lot situated on the west side of the lake at the time of the accident. Further investigation was conducted in order to find out whether the boat had technical problems during the mishap.
Water activities like boating and jet skiing are usually enjoyable and relaxing, but without enough skill and knowledge, these pleasurable activities may become dangerous. Operators of watercrafts must be sober and physically able to maneuver them. Accidents may happen and could result in head injuries, spinal injuries, neck injuries and knee injuries.
If an accident occurs, victims of recreational activities may be entitled to compensation, depending on the case and whether another individual’s negligence contributed to the accident.
Source: The Journal-News, “Bob Price Killed Sunday In Lake Boating Accident,” Oct. 9, 2012