It's the Law: On the Water

Boating Accidents

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 property damaged by the accident.

A vessel operator is required to make an oral and written report whenever a boating accident results in:

• Loss of life or disappearance of a person or …
• Injury to any person or …
• Property damage in excess of $2,000.

Oral reports must be made immediately to a DNR conservation warden or a local law enforcement officer.

A written report must be submitted within 10 days on a DNR Form 4100-20 to DNR-Boat Safety, Box 7921, Madison, WI 52707.