Northwest Alabama is home to a great number of lakes and rivers, and right here in Franklin County, residents and visitors have access to the Bear Creek Lakes system.
These bodies are used throughout the year, but the traffic on the water increases exponentially during the summer and especially on holiday weekends. In fact, according to the American Boating Association, the Fourth of July is the busiest boating day of the year.
Unfortunately, Independence Day is also too often the deadliest day on the water. Memorial Day and Independence Day account for around one-third of all boating-related accidents and deaths each year, according to the ABA.
With that in mind, organizations like the ABA, the National Safe Boating Council and law enforcement encourage individuals to always take the necessary safety precautions while having fun on the water.
One of the biggest and most commonly advised precautions is to wear a life jacket.
“Every time I speak with someone affected by a boating accident, I’m more motivated to share about the importance of responsible boating – and that includes always wearing a life jacket,” said Rachel Johnson, CAE, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council.
According to the United States Coast Guard, in 2016, 83 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
“Wearing a life jacket can be the difference between life and death,” said Alabama Marine Police officer Pat Welton. “It can’t save your life if you don’t have it on.”
And apart from life jackets being a big safety measure in general, in many situations Alabama law requires them.
“Anyone under the age of eight is required to wear one at all times,” Welton said.
Individuals riding on personal recreational vehicles like jet skis and Sea-Doos or those being towed on tubes or water skis are also required to wear life jackets, Welton added.
Those over the age of eight who are riding in boats are not required to wear a life jacket but each vessel must stow at least one life jacket per passenger on board, in accordance with Alabama law.
Another big “don’t” while out on the water is alcohol. According to the National Safe Boating Council, one-third of all recreational boating fatalities involve a BUI.
Lakes and rivers are treated just like the roadway; if individuals are operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may face a fine, jail time, and a suspension of their boating license.
Welton says Boating Under the Influence is one of the more common occurrences he sees on the water.
“(BUI laws) are in the boating license test,” Welton said. “They’re aware of the laws. They may not act like they are, but they know.”
“Leave your alcohol at home,” he added.
Welton also said to be sure to have all required licenses and registration aboard the boat when it is in use.
Other safety tips recommended by the National Safe Boating Council include checking the weather before going out, alerting friends and family of plans to go out on the water, being aware of others in the water, and becoming familiar with local boating speed zones.
For other boating safety tips, individuals can visit the National Safe Boating Council website at safeboatingcampaign.com.
