Kentucky Fish and Wildlife urges boating safety ahead of summer

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, Kentucky’s waterways are expected to be filled with boaters excited to kick off the season.

Officials with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife are urging people to put safety first before they hit any of the state’s waterways. Lieutenant Chris King said to have a plan before you go.

“We encourage everyone to have a float plan. Call somebody that you’re close to that’s not coming on the lake with you,” King said. “Let them know where you’re going, how long you expect to be gone.”

One of the best ways to keep you and your family safe on the water this summer is by wearing a life jacket. King says it’s the law to have one available.

“It is state law that once a vessel is underway, children 12 and under must have a life jacket on. It’s also a law that you keep one readily accessible; it never hurts. I like to wear mine all of the time just to be safe,” King said.

King urges you to have and check all of the required boating safety equipment. Including wearable life jackets for each person on board, a throwable flotation device, a fire extinguisher, and a noise-making device such as a horn or whistle.

If an emergency does happen, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife wardens will be ready to respond on local waterways.

“Simply try to call 911, and it goes to your local state police post, and they will dispatch accordingly. Also, if you have a marine band radio, marine 16, that channel goes straight to us as well,” King said.

Officials remind boaters that following safety guidelines and being prepared with the proper equipment can prevent accidents and save lives on Kentucky’s waterways this summer.