Third Lake Eufaula Drowning Claims Texas Man

Third Lake Eufaula Drowning Claims Texas Man

A Lake Eufaula drowning has claimed the life of a Texas man, marking the third drowning at Lake Eufaula this year and renewing concerns about boating safety during Oklahoma's busy summer recreation season.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, 43-year-old Brandon Shipman, of Texas, died Wednesday after jumping from a ski boat and never resurfacing. Troopers said it remains unclear why Shipman entered the water. He was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. Seven other passengers were aboard the boat, and none of them were injured.

Lake Eufaula Drowning Marks Third Fatality This Year

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division said Shipman disappeared shortly after jumping from the moving boat.

Emergency responders searched the area before recovering his body. Authorities have not released additional details explaining why Shipman entered the water, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Troopers confirmed Shipman was not wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, a factor safety officials say significantly reduces a person's chances of surviving an unexpected emergency on the water.

This is now the third drowning at Lake Eufaula in 2026, making it one of Oklahoma's deadliest lakes this summer.

Water Safety Experts Warn About Jumping From Moving Boats

Boating safety experts say entering the water from a moving boat can be far more dangerous than many people realize.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a person jumping from a boat traveling at highway speeds can suffer serious injuries, become immediately disoriented or lose consciousness from the force of hitting the water.

Even if the impact does not cause injury, sudden immersion can trigger panic or an involuntary gasp reflex that causes a swimmer to inhale water. Safety officials also warn that attempting to return to a person in the water can create additional dangers if the boat's propeller remains engaged.

For those reasons, passengers should never enter the water until the boat has come to a complete stop and the engine has been turned off.

Officials Urge Boaters To Wear Life Jackets

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division encourages everyone on board a recreational boat to wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, regardless of swimming ability.

Troopers also recommend assigning a dedicated spotter anytime someone is in the water, keeping visual contact with swimmers at all times and ensuring the boat operator remains sober throughout the trip.

While investigators continue working to determine exactly what led to Wednesday's tragedy, officials hope the incident serves as a reminder that simple safety precautions can save lives. With three fatal drownings already reported at Lake Eufaula this year, authorities are urging everyone enjoying Oklahoma's lakes to make water safety their top priority.

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