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Frankfort, KY - In their haste and excitement to get on the water to ski, fish, tube or just ride, boaters may overlook some important safety considerations during the May 27-29 Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has several tips to make your weekend of boating pleasure a safe one.

A personal floatation device – commonly called a life preserver or lifejacket - won’t save you if it isn’t worn. Modern personal floatation devices not only keep you afloat, but they keep your head above water and reduce your risk of drowning.

“Eight out of 10 people who die in boating accidents die as a result of drowning,” said Lt. Mike Fields, boating safety coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “A large majority of those fatal accidents in Kentucky and in the nation involve not collisions, but people falling overboard.”

When air temperatures reach the 80s, most people forsake their personal floatation devices. “When people think of lifejackets, they think of those old, orange, uncomfortable ones from years ago,” Fields said. “Technology’s come a long way in the last few years in regards to lifejackets. They are lighter, less bulky and cool.”

Kentucky’s conservation officers now wear lightweight, inflatable lifejackets which are more compact than the traditional versions.

Avoid drinking alcohol while operating a boat. Alcohol delays reaction time and reflexes, two things a boat driver must possess. Alcohol consumption can also intensify “boater’s fatigue,” a condition caused by a combination of sun, boat vibration, wave action and engine noise.

Pay attention at all times while operating a boat. The number of boats on the water grows each year. Personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis, can be especially dangerous to a boat operator because of their low profile, quick acceleration and ability to change directions quickly.

“We expect the waterways to be extremely crowded this weekend,” Fields said. “Many of those boats will be operated by novices, so watch out for the other guy at all times.”

A person must be at least 12 years old to operate a personal watercraft, or a boat with an engine larger than10-horsepower on Kentucky waterways. Youths between the ages of 12 and 17 must possess a Kentucky Boating Safety Education Certificate before they can operate a boat or personal watercraft. For more information about obtaining this certificate, go to http://fw.ky.gov/Navigation.asp?cid=102 .

Don’t fumble for sunglasses, move fishing poles, or fiddle with the on-board radio while operating a boat. Let off the throttle and come to a stop first. It won’t delay you more than a minute or two. The lost time pales in comparison to the horror of looking up after finding your lost sunglasses, only to discover a boat right in front of you.

Fields also suggests checking your boat before you leave the dock to make sure there are enough lifejackets and other items required by law. All boats longer than 16 feet must have one throwable flotation device on board. Every boat with an engine must have a working fire extinguisher, in addition to a boat horn or a loud whistle.

Boaters should also consider having on board a first-aid kit, owner’s manual, towrope, two flashlights, a paddle, jumper cables, tool kit, an extra shear pin and an anchor. These items are indispensable on bigger lakes and rivers.

Finally, charge the batteries if the boat hasn’t been in the water for a few months. Check the bilge pump and navigation lights to make sure they are in working order. Also, check the trailer lights and trailer tire pressure, including the spare, and lubricate the trailer wheel bearings.

“Common sense is your best friend out there,” Fields said. “Common sense will go a long way.”

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