Life jackets are lifesavers

Lima News: In four words, state watercraft officer Travis Martin summed up the value of life jackets following Sunday’s drowning of a 22-year-old man on Indian Lake.

“It floats. You don’t,” said Martin.

Some people may have thought Martin’s words were too harsh after such a tragedy, but it was a message that needed to be delivered. Consider that last year, 397 people drowned nationwide following recreational-boating accidents. In 84 percent of the drownings, those who died were not wearing a life jacket, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

DETAILS OF DROWNING

The events leading up to the Indian Lake were that of a disaster waiting to happen.

Nine people were on a boat after midnight Sunday, only a few with life jackets. Disaster arrived when the boat began to sink just north of the Lakeview boat ramp.

Eight people were lucky to survive, being pulled from the water by local fire department rescuers.