State Parks Presents Life Saving Award to Cattaraugus County Father and Son

ALBANY, NY (07/27/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has presented its Recreational Boater Life Saving Award to Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Deputy and Brian Mohr and his son, Travis Mohr, for their fast and decisive action in rescuing two fellow boaters from the Kinzua Reservoir in November 2008.

While out for a day of hunting with his son, Brian Mohr, a state-certified boating instructor, observed two fishermen in a small boat, neither of whom had a life jacket. Mohr provided the fishermen with his personal life jackets and insisted that they put them on. This act of concern in all likelihood saved the fishermen's lives when the fisherman capsized unexpectedly later on that afternoon.

The fishermen were immersed in cold water for about 45 minutes when the Mohrs heard their calls for help. Brian Mohr launched a small paddle boat to reach them, grabbing one fisherman who was unable to move due to the length of time in the cold water. Travis propelled the old boat to shore as it was taking on water, as his father hung on to the fisherman. Realizing that they would be unable to return to rescue the second fisherman, Brian directed him to climb on top of the overturned boat and wait for rescue by the Salamanca Fire Department. Both fishermen suffered from exposure but recovered.

State Parks presents the Recreational Boater Life Saving Award to individuals who have responded to a boating accident where their direct actions saved lives. Boaters are reminded to boat safely and to wear a life jacket, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return, and to bring a communication device should they need to call for help.

Time is of the essence in cases of cold water immersion and it can be a matter of life and death. Too often sudden cold water immersion alone can overcome a victim long before hypothermia even becomes a factor. The 2009 Cold Water Mandatory Life Jacket Wear Law addresses the safety of off- season boaters. It states that every boater on a vessel, whether it is a motorboat, sailboat, kayak, rowboat, or canoe, less than 21 feet in length must wear a life jacket between November 1 and May 1. In addition, NYS Parks recommends that all boaters wear a life jacket whenever the water temperatures are less than 60 degrees.

For more information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com.