By Erica Thomas, managing editor
PELL CITY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) asked boaters to be aware of laws of waterways during Labor Day weekend. An increased amount of boaters are expected on lakes and rivers in the state from Aug. 30 through Sept. 2 and that means increased patrols.
Sgt. Chad Pate with the ALEA Marine Patrol Division said an important thing to remember is to keep a proper outlook at all times.
“When your boat is in operation, the driver needs to know what’s around him,” said Pate. “Stay to the right. If everyone stays to the right, there shouldn’t be any collisions.”
Boats should be equipped with enough life preserve vests to cover every occupant of the vessel. Pate also said boaters should be familiar with the area they are boating in, especially when boating at night.
Lake Wedowee. Photo: Wendell Huddleston.
“If you’re going to operate at night, be sure to have lights,” he said.
When it comes to the use of alcohol on Alabama waterways, Pate said to drink responsibly.
“If you’re in a wet county, you can drink, but you still have to have a designated driver,” said Pate. “If you are on a lake or a river in Alabama, you are most likely in public. You can get arrested for public intoxication in those areas.”
Boat operators can also be charged with driving under the influence. Many fatal boat crashes on Alabama waterways have been attributed to the use of alcohol.
ALEA has asked for assistance from several local municipalities, counties and other state agencies, to monitor lakes and rivers this Labor Day weekend.
