With Minnesota’s duck hunting season opening Saturday, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued an update Friday on the number of boating-related accidents and deaths through Oct. 3.

A total of 10 boating deaths have been reported so far in 2008, down one from the same period a year ago. Three deaths occurred in Hennepin County and one each in Crow Wing, Lake, Anoka, St. Louis, Winona, Itasca and Morrison counties.

While the warm weather may be on its way out, Minnesota over the last five years has averaged just under three boating-related deaths in the last three months of the calendar. Last year, four boaters died on Minnesota waterways between October and December; none of the victims were wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Figures released Friday also indicate 69 non-fatal boating accidents have taken place this year – the most common being collisions with other watercraft (20). Falling overboard (12) and water ski/wake board/ tubing accidents (12) followed. Other non-fatal accidents reported included capsizing (4), collisions with fixed or floating objects (4), onboard falls (2), fire (4), hitting bottom (4) and sinking/flooding (3). A total of three “other” accidents resulting in injury were also reported.

At least 40 fewer non-fatal accidents have occurred in Minnesota this year compared to the same period a year ago.

Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/duckhunting/index.html to read the DNR’s duck hunting safety tip sheet.

Summary of Accidents – Compared to Prior Years on Oct. 3

Accident type & year 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

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Boating Fatalities 10 11 11 20 14 14 25

Non-Fatal Accidents 69 109 100 90 69 93 133

Non-Boating Drownings 28 25 41 43 26 30 34