CLEBURNE COUNTY, Ark. — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is now investigating a boating accident on Greers Ferry Lake that left one person dead and sent four others to the hospital on Sunday.
According to Keith Stephens with Arkansas Game and Fish, at around 1:00 p.m. two boats on the lake crashed into each other. There were six people on the boats in total.
The cause of the accident is currently unknown but there is an active investigation into what may have caused it.
According to Game and Fish, so far there've been nine deadly boat accidents this year. It's just another reason why officials hope people take safety seriously while out on the water.
"If you're going to be out and you're going to be on a boat, be aware of your surroundings," Boating Law Administrator Captain Stephanie Weatherington said.
That's one of the main things that you should keep in mind as we wrap up the summer and especially heading into Labor Day weekend.
Boating Law Administrator Captain Stephanie Weatherington explained that a 47-year-old woman ended up dying in the collision.
"We're still in the very early stages of the investigation, still trying to figure out what exactly happened," Captain Weatherington said.
Even though Captain Weatherington said details are limited, she hopes people use this as a reminder to stay safe on the busy holiday weekend.
"As the operator, pay attention to the other boats around you keep a safe distance from other boaters," she said.
She also stressed the importance of not forgetting a lifejacket.
"If you do everything wrong, if you have that lifejacket that is number one that could save your life that's gonna make the difference," she added.
Alcohol and driving also do not mix.
"When you're operating a boat and you're under the influence, it becomes a very, very dangerous situation," she said.
The lake water is lower than average, too.
Jay Townsend with the Army Corps of Engineers said it's about seven feet below its conservation pool.
"There may be some of the boat launch ramps that are out of service because of the lower than average water levels. So I would ask folks to check ahead, see if those launch ramps are open, call ahead to the project office," Townsend said.
Townsend also said you should boat in areas you're familiar with.
"Stay in the main channels, things that are typically well submerged may be just under the surface now. So boat with caution, because of those low water levels," he said.
Investigators have not determined the cause of the crash but we'll keep you updated as we learn more.