Keep it safe on the water
E
ven though the focus around Lake Martin in the summer should be on having a good time with friends and family, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Trooper Corey Robinett urges residents and visitors to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
to be properly ventilated and keep fire extinguishers in working order. According to ALEA, fire extinguishers do not have a lifetime guarantee. They should be checked every year and replaced every three or four summers. Be sure all lights work as well. The boat should Be courteous have red lights on the left and green lights on the People come to the lake for recreational purposes right, with a white light on the stern that is required and to have a good time, but by practicing courtesy to be visible for 2 miles at 360 degrees. and politeness, days on “Lights are the most the water could run more important thing on a boat, smoothly. especially at night,” said Robinett reiterated the Robinett, who explained sentiment and said accithat between sunrise and dents could be avoided if Marine Police: sunset the lights on a boat people practice common (256) 329-2268 or 1-800-432-7389 should always be on. sense. Many water safety However, docking lights rules are fairly vague, leavshould not be used when ing them open to discretion. TowBoat US Lake Martin cruising because they “If it’s going to get you 256-307-1313 could blind other boaters. or someone else hurt, just Robinett said he makes don’t do it. Exercise good hundreds of stops in a seajudgment,” said Robinett. son due to lights – or the Common courtesy applies to encountering other lack of them – and he encouraged boaters keep vehicles as well. A manually propelled boat always spares on board or pick up chem-lights, which are has the right of way because it has less movability. great in an emergency. Know the rules of when to slow down and give way There should be one life jacket on board for to other boats. Robinett said Lake Martin is very every passenger, and it has to be U.S. Coast Guard busy at times, and incidents can be prevented if approved, in good condition and appropriately sized boaters stay alert to their surroundings and remain for the wearer. Children under age 8 must wear life courteous to other boaters. jackets at all times.
Emergency Numbers
Check boats, especially at the beginning of a season
Before the first use of the season, be sure the boat is in working order by checking safety equipment, life jackets and lights. Also, be sure to examine boat fuel lines for possible leaks and damage. Allow boats 14 | 2021-2022 THE SOUTH'S BEST KEPT SECRET
Make a float plan
Call someone to let him or her know when going out for a boat ride. Be sure that person knows the location of the ride, registration of the boat, contact information and an estimated time of return.
