My son, Slade, was a water enthusiast. From the tender age of three, he had been swimming and spending most of our summers by the river. On August 25, 2023, Slade went to Kayak Park in Siloam Springs, Arkansas with his girlfriend and her parents. They arrived around 7:30 PM but tragically, Slade disappeared. He was found deceased at 10:46 AM the next day. Despite assurances that he hadn't been drinking upon their arrival at the park, his alcohol level was found to be .270.

This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated one in our state. According to data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation (source: CDC). This statistic is alarming and calls for immediate action.

We are urging lawmakers in Arkansas to reform laws regarding alcohol consumption near bodies of water such as rivers or lakes. We need stricter regulations that will ensure safety measures are put into place - including but not limited to - making sure everyone that knowingly takes someone to the water intoxicated, and they drown the other parties should be charged with involuntary manslaughter if the victim is 25 and under. Slade was 23 but had mental health issues, Add/ADHD, OCD, ODD, mood/ change disorder, depression, anxiety and Asperger's. He also had seizures and heart problems. 

By signing this petition you can help us prevent more tragedies like what happened to my son Slade from occurring again. Please sign this petition today.