Memorial Weekend on Kentucky Lake

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The 2010 Memorial holiday weekend

Expect a big crowd on the lake this weekend. It’s the kickoff for summer as far as recreational boaters are concerned and just about every pontoon, houseboat, sailboat, fishing rig, runabout, and jet ski will be out and about.

Warm weather arrived last week and stimulated interest for lakers that are anxious to hit the water. From swimming to fishing, Kentucky Lake will be a popular place for lots of folks.

Campfire smoke will drift across the bays, delivering the smell of grilled hamburgers. A few firecrackers will pierce the silence. Screaming jet skis and outboard will grind out their location in the placid waters and stir up things as waves will be abundant.

The 2010 Memorial Day holiday weekend is regarded as the unofficial start to the summer boating season and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wants to emphasize the use of life jackets while boating in a safe and responsible manner.

Memorial Day is annually one of the year’s busiest boating weekends. There were seven total boating accidents reported over the 2009 Memorial Day holiday period across the state with three injuries recorded as a result of separate accidents. TWRA officers made 24 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests over the holiday weekend.

The TWRA was pleased to report no boating-related fatalities over Memorial holiday weekend in 2009. In 2008, there were 13 reported accidents with one fatality and four injuries over the holiday period.

Thus far in 2010, there have been 11 total accidents. There have been four fatalities, all related to cold water drowning.

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, the effects of alcohol increase 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.

For many Tennesseans, the Memorial Day weekend will be the first time to have the boat on the water this year.

TWRA officials say taking a few minutes to check some of the boat components may be the key to having a nice, safe day. Merely performing a simple maintenance check before getting on the water may prevent problems. Check hoses to make sure

they are in good shape. Check spark plugs and be sure to use UL marine grade plugs. Make sure the lights work and carry extra fuses and bulbs.

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 for 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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