It's the Law: On the Water

Accidents and Casualties

An operator involved in a boating accident must:

• Stop his or her vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and…
• Assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident, unless doing so would seriously endanger his or her own vessel or passengers and…
• Give, in writing, his or her name, address, and vessel identification to anyone injured and to the owner of any damaged property.
• An accident report form must be submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Lake Patrol Section if the accident results in:
  • Death or disappearance of a person or…
  • Injury to a person requiring medical treatment beyond first aid or…
  • Property damage (including damage to vessels) in excess of $2,000.
• Reports of deaths or disappearances must be made by the quickest means possible to the local police department, county sheriff’s office, or highway patrol office.
• If an operator 16 years old or older, operating in a reckless manner, causes an accident resulting in the death of another person (either immediately or within one year of the accident), the operator will be guilty of negligent homicide.