MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Some people are wrapping up the summer with time spent on the water for Labor Day. But the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is encouraging everyone to prioritize safety while having fun on the lake or river.
As boats roll off the dock into the Mississippi River for the holiday, Wildlife Officer Andy Tweed with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says before you celebrate, being safe can help prevent tragedies.
“The weather is starting to cool down. Water still warm. A lot of people are going to be on the boat,” Tweed said. But, “Life jackets float, You don’t!”
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Tweed adds a life jacket doesn’t work if you don’t put it on and fasten it.
“We had a fatality last month and the individual did not have a lifejacket on. And unfortunately, he’s deceased,” Tweed said.
So far this year, there have been 16 deaths in the state of Tennessee. Tweeds says there are things you should have on your boat to protect yourself and others.
“A throw cushion that you need to have if somebody falls overboard, you’re able to throw it out there to them if they’re not wearing their lifejacket,” he said. “You also want to have a fire extinguisher in your boat. A whistle, good. Paddles, good.”
He says not wearing a life jacket and drinking while boating are some of the things that will get you in trouble with the law.
“We’re trying to get all the impaired boaters off,” Tweed says.
On top of boat safety, you also want to protect yourself from the sun. So, bring out a hat, make sure to put on sunscreen, and you do want to stay hydrated.
