It makes me mad because 95% of these accidents shouldn't be an terrrible incident at all.

I crappie fish once to twice a week in my boat, kayak or tube. I wear my LIFE JACKET 24/7 when I am on the water because of stories like these below. I know it's not the coolest thing to do but it's the safest way to enjoy a day at the lake.

Jughead

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Crews to search for teen after Lake Lavon paddle boat accident 7:19 AM CT

08:40 AM CDT on Tuesday, March 31, 2009
By SAMANTHA URBAN / The Dallas Morning News

Collin County authorities are expected to resume a search this morning for a teen who disappeared after his paddle boat capsized in Lake Lavon on Monday.

The teen, whose identity was not released by authorities, was in a paddle boat with a friend Monday evening when it capsized, the Collin County sheriff's office said. High winds and waves contributed to the accident.

The teens are believed to be about 17 or 18 years old, said sheriff's Capt. David Hiserote.

The friend's mom reported the two missing about 10:40 p.m.

During the investigation, the friend returned to her neighborhood about midnight. She told authorities she clung to the capsized paddle boat as it floated to shore. She was treated and released at the scene.

The sheriff's office said the paddle boat has since been recovered.



OTHER MISSING BOATERS
Lewisville Lake: The body of Mike Wells Barton, 54, of Hickory Creek was found floating in Lake Lewisville on Monday. He had been last seen marooned on his sailboat on March 23 after the engine stopped working.

Three- to 4-foot ways prevented a towing company from bringing in his boat and Barton declined a ride to shore. About an hour later, a Denton County sheriff's deputy saw the sailboat with no one aboard. Crews searched for three days.

Barton was vice president of sales for Armko Industries Inc. of Flower Mound.

LB Houston Lake in Dallas: Crews continued the search for a 37-year-old woman who disappeared on Sunday near the west fork of the Trinity River. Dallas Fire-Rescue said she was with with her husband when their boat capsized. The husband, 33, was rescued near Northwest Highway and treated for hypothermia. Authorities did not release their names.

Lake Grapevine: Crews expanded the search for a canoeist who disappeared on Saturday. The man in his late 20s was with a friend when their canoe capsized. The friend made it to shore. Grapevine police said the men were not wearing life jackets, and alcohol was not a factor. Authorities did not release their names.

Richland Chambers Lake near Corsicana: The search continues for Jerrod Rachel, 17, of Malakoff, who was fishing with his grandfather, Jerry King, 72. The two were fishing on March 23 when they did not return and their family reported them missing. King's body was found on Friday.

Staff writers Dan McGraw and Samantha Urban contributed to this report.

My Prayers go out to the families of each.

ME TOO, WHEN THE WINDS BLOWIN OVER 20MPH STAY OFF THE WATER ITS NOT WORTH YOUR LIFE

I agree, if I have to tame the itch I'll stay on the bank. So sad when it could have been prevented.

Prayers to all.

I'm going crazy sitting at the house today instead of on the lake because of the wind.
When I am on the lake my pfd is on. I also keep my whistle attached to my life jacket along with a knife and lighter.

I am truly saddened by the amount of anglers who do not take the proper steps to protect themselves on our lakes, rivers and streams from these tradgedies.
A simple $6 life jacket would have all of these folks at home with their families.
Most anglers have the gear but refuse to wear it. I too feel safe when on the water and am guilty of not wearing a lifejacket. I will from this day forward have mine on and fastened anytime we are underway by the big motor.
I hate to add more laws to the allready overburdened list of requirements by the State but I for one would totally support a mandatory lifejacket on and fastened anytime the combustion motor is in gear for all occupants of any craft.
I pray for comfort for all of these grieving families for their loss.

I like the whistle idea...might just copy that one...

Yep, those of us in kayaks or other paddlecraft (actually any boat that doesn't already have a horn or other noisemaker) are *required* to have a whistle or noisemaker on board, makes sense to attach it to the life jacket.

I'm an former kayak fisherman and that is when I started wearing the whistle. Just kept it when I got my boat.

I have a piece of styrofoam taped on to my air horn so I can find it hopefully, if in the water.

I'm with you Redtoplady. Think I'll add the whistle to the PDF. Great idea.

I had a nephew drown a few years ago at the young age of 22. Great swimmer. No life jacket.