By Erica Thomas, managing editor
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol Division has noticed an increase in boaters on the state’s waterways since other businesses and attractions closed due to coronavirus.
Marine Patrol Troopers are patrolling lakes and rivers and are reminding boaters to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
“Alabama beaches were closed Thursday, March 19, but effective at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 28, all non-work related gatherings on 10 persons or more, or non-work related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent 6-foot distance between individuals, are prohibited,” Sgt. Chad Pate, ALEA’s Marine Patrol Divisions’s Northern District Assistant Commander said in a statement.
Pate also offered the following boater safety reminders:
- The designated driver practice works just as well on the water as it does on the road. If boaters insist on having alcohol on board, make sure there is a designated driver.
- Be courteous and cautious.
- Follow boating rules. Know what to do in a head-to-head meeting and know the right-of-way rules and regulations.
- Make sure life jackets are accessible, in good condition, sized for the intended individual and U.S. Coast Guard-approved. There must be one personal flotation device (PFD) on board for each person on the boat that is sized and intended for that individual. Children younger than the age of 8 must wear PFDs.
- When boating at night, make sure the required navigation lights are on and in good working order. Operate at slower speeds and don’t venture into unfamiliar territory.
- Give other boaters plenty of room. Don’t operate too closely to private docks or the shoreline, and give skiers and swimmers a wide berth.
- Never overload a vessel. Follow the capacity plate guidelines.
- Make it a habit to check the vessel’s safety equipment before using the vessel — every time.