HELENA – Labor Day weekend is traditionally the last big boating weekend of the summer.
Sheriff Leo Dutton says the 2018 summer has been pretty quiet on our lakes and reservoirs.
Sheriff Dutton says there have been no fatalities on the water this year, and just one in the past four years.
The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s office has teamed up with the Fish, Wildlife and Parks for Water Emergencies.
While the busiest part of the season may be coming to end, Sheriff Dutton says law enforcement will still be on the water patrolling.
He encourages boaters to use life jackets and drive sober. Sheriff Dutton also added that alcohol is a leading cause of accidents on the water.
Sheriff Dutton stated “This year has been good. This year people have taken responsibility. You can go out, you can have a great time, but when you get behind that wheel understand that you’re not only affecting the passengers in your boat, but everyone else out on the lake.”
Sheriff Dutton says the goal for this year, is to make it the rest of the year with zero deaths on Hauser, Canyon Ferry and Holter lakes.
Reporting by Mercedies Pruneda for MTN News
