Video: Missouri Propeller Strike Injuries
Press the play button (▶) above to start the video.
Video Transcript
Rob
All right. There’s no easy way to bring this up—propeller strikes. Nobody wants to get hit by a propeller while they’re on the lake, but occasionally it happens. So, how can we prevent propeller strikes out here on the lake?
Officer Mueller
One easy way to do that is just to be aware of the people that are around your boat and the water. And, if you have the motor turned off, there’s no way for the propeller to be spinning, and incidents like that could be prevented.
Rob
Now, are there any that come to mind that could have been prevented?
Officer Mueller
I know of an incident here in Missouri where a skier was out, they fell off the skis, and the operator of the boat was going to retrieve the skier. As the skier approached the back of the boat, the operator failed to turn off the motor and accidentally left the motor in gear. And, while the skier was attempting to get back into the boat, they were struck by the propeller.
Rob
OK. Seems pretty simple. Turn off the engine when you’re picking people up.
Officer Mueller
Absolutely.
Rob
Awesome. Thanks.
