Buffalo Springs Lake Police are preparing for the start of their busy summer season, but with a new perspective on safety after last summer’s boating accident that killed a 1-year-old boy.
The police department is remembering that boy a special way.
“On the front of the console on that boat is a heart with a blue line through it, that’s got this young man’s first initial on it,” said Stewart Naron, chief of the Buffalo Springs Lake Police Department. “I put that on the boat as a reminder, not only to our officers but to everyone else that comes out here, that we’re here to prevent this.”
This summer, Buffalo Springs Lake Police are taking safety more serious than ever.
“You have to remember if you’re unsafe, we’re going to remove you from the water because I will not tolerate for this to happen again,” said Naron. “I won’t let it happen again.”
That accident happened last September when two boats collided, throwing a 1-year-old child from the boat. His body was found days later.
“That was the worst tragedy I’ve had to deal with in a lot of years I’ve been doing this. It took a toll on us as well as the families,” he said.
This year, police are focusing on proper life jacket safety and make sure they fit correctly.
“When you go down and buy vests to put on your children or to have one your boat, make sure on the inside of the vest it says U.S. Coast Guard approved,” said Naron. “Don’t come out here with swimming pool floaties on your kids’ biceps. It’s not going to work on this water.”
The accident deeply affected the community at Buffalo Springs Lake, so this year, boaters are listening closely to the law.
“We had to make sure we had enough life jackets,” said Ted Adams. “Everyone has to have one and then an extra one that’s a throwable if you have a man overboard.”
Buffalo Springs Lake Police will have officers patrolling the lake 24 hours a day over the weekend.
