The Twin Lakes area was among the most active regions in the state for boating accidents last year, according to a report from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Seventeen people died in boating incidents across Arkansas in 2025, the highest total since 2009, while 73 total accidents were reported statewide the most since 2020.
According to Sgt. Sydney Grant, Boating Law Administrator for the AGFC, Baxter County recorded 10 boating accidents, the second-highest total of any county in Arkansas. Marion County reported one accident.
Officials say a mix of hazardous water conditions and increased hunting-related activity contributed to the rise. Heavy spring rains led to strong currents on rivers and streams across north Arkansas, creating dangerous situations for boaters unfamiliar with the conditions.
“We had a lot of water and current in most of our streams and rivers from heavy rains,” Grant said. “Conditions were not good for people who weren’t familiar with navigating those areas.”
Grant said inexperience also played a role, noting some accidents involved rented vessels and operators who may not have been familiar with the equipment or waterways.
Accidents involving duck hunters also increased sharply, rising from five in 2024 to 11 in 2025, including one fatality. Low visibility, flooded timber and excessive speed were all cited as contributing factors.
“You’re already boating during a low-visibility time of day,” Grant said. “Add in flooded forests and hidden hazards, and some are going way too fast for the conditions.”
The report also highlighted ongoing safety concerns. Only 33% of boaters involved in accidents were wearing life jackets, and just one of the 17 people who died had one on at the time.
Officials continue to stress that wearing a life jacket and understanding water conditions are critical steps in preventing accidents, especially on area lakes and rivers.
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