Memorial Day 2009

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BOATING SEASON BEGINS…MEMORIAL DAY JUMP STARTS SUMMER

By Steve McCadams

Although summer hasn’t officially arrived on the calendar, Memorial Day pretty much kicks off the boating season and opens the door for recreational activity on Kentucky Lake.

From fishermen to jet skis and swimmers, seems folks shed their skin and head outdoors in force on this special holiday weekend. Schools are about to turn out for the summer and cabin fever has held its grip long enough. People are ready to play and the lake is a destination for relaxation. Campfire smoke and hamburgers on the grill serve as another signal the season is in transition.

Lake dwellers will be glad to see the reservoir back down to normal summer pool levels as high water has been the story for several weeks. Boat ramps and piers that have been flooded are now accessible, allowing more access.

Fishing has been good for most all species as the bluegill are bedding and biting while the bass, catfish, and crappie are also acting right. While a few showers have returned to the forecast it should be normal temperatures for the holiday period.

Meanwhile, TWRA will have an increased presence during the busy boating weekend as each year the agency adds officers to the area during holidays when more folks are on the water.

If you plan to be out there chances are you’ll be checked for a variety of things ranging from fishing licenses to boat registration and life vests. Before you head out this weekend make sure you have things in order. From your running lights to the fire extinguisher, it’s a good idea to work up a checklist prior to launching so you’ll not only be safe yourself but help make the waterways better for everyone out there.

The 2008 Memorial holiday period had 13 reported accidents with one fatality and four injuries across the state. Officers arrested 26 for boating under the influence (BUI).

This year, as the Memorial Day holiday weekend approaches, there has been 16 reported accidents and five fatalities on state waters in 2009.

Along with the use of life jackets, TWRA wants to stress the responsible use of alcohol while boating. It is important to consider the effects of drinking and driving whether on water or land. In a boat on the water, consuming one beer is equivalent to drinking three beers on land because of external stressors such as engine vibration, wave motion and glare from the sun. Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle.

In addition, TWRA urges all boaters to remember the basics:
*have a wearable life jacket for every person onboard
*if your boat is 16 feet or longer, there must be a Type IV throwable device onboard
*have onboard a fire extinguisher if you have enclosed fuel compartments or cabins
*anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is underway – drifting is considered underway
*any boat operator born after January 1, 1989 must have onboard the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate
*keep alcohol to a minimum–choose a designated boat operator
*make sure there is a current boat registration
Boat Operation Basics:
*keep a proper lookout at all times
*maintain a safe speed
*practice good seasmanship
*cut the engine while boarding from the water or entering the water from the boat
*be aware of the carbon monoxide hazards that exist and keep fresh air flowing
*no wake means idle speed
*take a boating safety course – log onto www.tnwildlife.org or information.

Steve McCadams is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing area. He has also contributed many outdoor oriented articles to various national publications.

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