Lake Havasu, Arizona - Two people were ejected into Lake Havasu after a boating collision but escaped injury due in large part to wearing their life jackets and the quick response of a “Good Samaritan,” according to a September 21 news release issued by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Two 10-foot rigid-hull inflatable boats travelling about 15 miles per hour collided around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 19, near the Chalk Cliffs area of Lake Havasu, according to the news release. The collision caused one boat to flip, ejecting both of its occupants into the water.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Division of Boating Safety responded and found one vessel upside down in the water and its occupants on board another boat. Both occupants of the boat that flipped had been wearing their life jackets and were pulled from the water into the “Good Samaritan’s” boat.
“This accident illustrates that wearing a life jacket is one of the most important safety steps to take, whether on a boat, personal watercraft or paddlecraft,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “If you inadvertently end up in the water, it will keep your head above water and your body on the surface.”
Hoffman added that while life jackets are required by law for those 12 years old and younger, everyone should wear one while on the water.
“It’s a simple step that could be lifesaving,” he said.