The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources plans to increase patrols on waterways during the Independence Day holiday weekend, July 3-5, as part of a national boating safety effort.
The stepped-up enforcement is part of “Operation Dry Water,” a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing alcohol- and drug-related incidents on the water. The agency said Kentucky game wardens will work alongside other law enforcement partners to raise awareness of boating laws and encourage safe operation.
Officials warned that alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, balance, vision and reaction time for both operators and passengers. They added that heat, sun, wind, noise and motion can worsen impairment and increase fatigue.
The department also urged boaters to check that required safety equipment is on board, in good condition and easy to reach, and to wear life jackets. Officials said many fatal boating incidents involve people who fall overboard without a flotation device.
More information about Kentucky boating laws is available in the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide at fw.ky.gov and wherever licenses are sold.
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency assistance, call 800-25-ALERT (800-252-5378) or contact local law enforcement or the nearest Kentucky State Police post. Boaters can also use marine channel 16 to contact a local marina.
Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies.
Source: WAVE
You must be logged in to post a comment.