BISMARCK, N.D. (G&F) – Regardless of how safe and cautious boaters are on the water, accidents happen. If a boating accident involves injury, death or disappearance of a person, an accident report must be filled out and sent to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department within 48 hours of the occurrence.

If property damage exceeds $2,000, but no deaths or injuries occur, a boat operator has five days to file a report.

A boat accident form is available at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, at any Game and Fish office or by contacting a local game warden.

In addition to wearing a life jacket, boaters are reminded to practice social distancing during these times of uncertainty.

Enforcement operations supervisor Jackie Lundstrom offers these simple safety precautions:

-Boat only with family members
-Maintain 6 feet between you and others
-Stay home if you are sick
-Keep occupants to a minimum
-Sustain proper distance at ramps/docks