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BOATING SEASON’S BIGGEST WEEKEND ARRIVES
By Steve McCadams
The arrival of the special Memorial Day holiday period has been the
official kick off of the summer boating season across America and right
here on Kentucky Lake is no exception.
Scores of recreational boaters of all kinds will take to the waterways
this weekend and jumpstart their warm summer season in a variety of
ways. In fact, a lot of marinas have boats of all shapes and sizes that
only see action on the year’s three big holidays such as Memorial Day,
Fourth of July and Labor Day.
For a lot of boats the rest of the year they stay tied up and suffer
from lack of use. However, expect everyone and their brother to be out
on the lake these next few days, tearing up the water with a pontoon,
jet ski, big runabout, fishing boat or a sail boat.
Expect a big crowd at your local marina, launch ramp or campground area.
After a mean spring that brought unstable weather to the region folks of
all kinds are anxious to get out and about, sharing the swimming
beaches, camping areas and popular boating haunts.
Soaking up the sun will lead to a lot of sunburns no doubt! Best
remember to pack along ample sunblock to avoid the pain and skin damage
that could jeopardize the rest of your holiday fling. A sunburn on the
first day of a summer vacation is no fun and not smart.
As to boat traffic you can bet your bottom dollar things will be a bit
crowded in some high use areas. Activity peaks on holidays around places
like Paris Landing State Park and other popular resort areas where
public launch ramps lure the crowd.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be patrolling the area
throughout the holiday so do your part to keep the peace and safety out
there. Hold your patience at busy boat ramps; it’s always congested
there so expect delays.
Formulate a little checklist before you hit the water and make sure you
have your boat registration, fire extinguisher, running lights in
working order, charged batteries, tow ropes and most of all life jackets
for all those on board.
Boaters are just like drivers on the open roads in that they must adhere
to laws on driving under the influence. The same requirements are
applied as anyone operating a boat or small watercraft having a blood
alcohol of .08 is considered under the influence.
Don’t put yourself and fellow passengers in that predicament. And, don’t
do it to your fellow boaters either. Fast boats on a crowded waterway
can be quite dangerous but especially when a drunk driver enters the
equation.
Meanwhile, here’s some tips for the upcoming boating season from The
National Safe Boating Council:
National Safe Boating Week is underway and will run through May 27. TWRA
and NSBC are reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills
and prepare for the boating season.
This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating
Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the
most of their boating adventure by being responsible.
Join us in sharing these boating safety messages each day of National
Safe Boating Week!
Always maintain a proper lookout and be aware of other boaters and the
environment while boating. Be sure everyone wears a U.S. Coast Guard
approved, properly fitting life jacket while boating.
Did you know the environment may stress your body and mind enough to
make the risk of an accident much greater while boating? Heading out on
the water? Make sure you wear a life jacket and have (and know how to
use) other required boating gear.
Check the latest weather forecast before you leave shore. Hop on over to
weather.gov for the latest updates. Raise your hand if you took a
boating safety course and got a vessel safety check. We did!
There are many dangers to boating under the influence. Protect your life
and others – never BUI!
Here’s hoping you have a great holiday on the lake this weekend and that
your summer boating season is a good one!
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