Woman drowns in Lewisville watercraft spill---(Texas)

CaptnKirk · 05-15-2006, 01:12 PM

This article was sent to me from WyoChic..Thanks!

Quote:

Witness at lake says victim reluctant rider

THE COLONY – A Collin County woman died Sunday on Lewisville Lake after she and her two daughters were thrown from the personal watercraft on which they were riding.

Maria Lopez, 35, of Princeton was taken by helicopter to Methodist Dallas Medical Center after the accident during a Mother's Day picnic at Stewart Creek Park.

Ms. Lopez was riding on the back of the craft about 5 p.m. when a relative apparently lost control, said Lt. David Cavins of the The Colony Fire Department.

Neither the woman nor the girls were wearing lifejackets, Lt. Cavins said.

About an hour later, the Lewisville Fire Department dive team pulled Ms. Lopez's body from a 12- to 15-foot-deep inlet, Lt. Cavins said. Paramedics at the scene were unsuccessful in resuscitating her.

The Dallas County medical examiner's office was performing an autopsy.

Lt. Cavins said the dive team spent about 40 minutes searching for the woman's body in the murky water.

"Basically the dive team had to go by feel," he said.

Maria Tristan, who was sitting at a picnic table near the Lopez family, said Ms. Lopez was reluctant to ride the watercraft but got on anyway. Minutes later, she said, it collided with another vessel.

Mrs. Tristan said the woman lifted her two daughters to safety and then sank.

More than 100 onlookers gathered at the grassy picnic area near the shore, Mrs. Tristan said, and someone tried to save Ms. Lopez but couldn't.

"It was chaos," said the 28-year-old mother of five.

"[Her girls] were crying, 'My mommy! My mommy!' "

Dallas News

This is a devistating story folks...more proof that if you don't know, don't go.
Take a boating safety course and always, ALWAYS wear your PFD. To quote my friend Shawn Alladio of K38 Water Safety...."The life you save may be your own."

Captn---

99gp1200 · 05-15-2006, 01:15 PM

Have we ever heard of one these drownings where the person WAS wearing a PFD. Its just plain sad stuff like this happens

Midd1994 · 05-15-2006, 01:19 PM

Definitely a tragic story, both in terms of the disregard for their own safety, and the outcome!

I just hope that it doesn't turn into another lawsuit. I'd hate to see the day when PWC manufacturers have to come up with some system that won't let the PWC start unless it can tell that users are wearing lifejackets!

vitaly · 05-15-2006, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midd1994

I'd hate to see the day when PWC manufacturers have to come up with some system that won't let the PWC start unless it can tell that users are wearing lifejackets!

Actually, that might be a good idea.
Add breathalizers to bass boats too.

NorthOfDallas · 05-15-2006, 02:12 PM

Yeah, I was just out there on saturday EXACTLY where the incident happened. I posted it first thing this morning:
Sad Day for N.Texas PWC'rs and all riders

ATSAaron · 05-15-2006, 02:36 PM

I wasn't there (but we were at the same lake, same time). On the TV news they mentioned a 3 person jet ski with 4 people on it. The news said only 2 of the 4 had life vests. That is just ridiculous. Also anyone know for sure what they hit? Another PWC? or a boat?

Aaron

SBT · 05-15-2006, 02:57 PM

Imagine that, someone drown while screwing around on the water irresponsibly by not wearing the required PFD. Wow, you never hear about that.

There are just some people that will never learn or follow the rules, no matter how important they are. Never mind common sense...

I feel more sorry for the affected friends and family than the victims, in most cases they do it to themselves by being so foolish/drunk/stupid.

NorthOfDallas · 05-15-2006, 03:35 PM

As a reasonably seasoned (and supremely un-talented) rider, I almost feel that a "PWC Safety Course" should be mandated. it's safe to assume that each of us are safe riders and would have not trouble protecting our passion,

but what says you?

05-16-2006, 10:50 AM

new or old always wear PFD!!

badams270 · 05-16-2006, 08:31 PM

Is there no game wardens out there patrolling? The lake I go to is covered with them. Let me guess there were'nt any tags on it either. I'm just glad the kids were ok.