Marine Patrol Warns Boaters To Be Cautious of Other Vessels With High Traffic Expected Tomorrow

Many boaters are expected to hit coastal waters for the fourth tomorrow.

The Mississippi Marine Patrol is sharing some safety tips ahead of the holiday.

Marine patrol officials reminding boaters to use extra caution, especially on narrow bodies of water and to exercise courtesy for fellow boaters. essentially, the same laws for driving apply for operating a boat too.

Michael Strickland, Captain of the Mississippi Marine Patrol says, “The dangers that are always present is the people using or abusing alcohol or drugs while operating the vessel in the State of Mississippi blood alcohol content .08 or higher considered legally drunk and operating a vessel under those conditions can lead to serious fines, arrest, loss of your voting privileges and even impoundment of your boat.”

If you and your passengers are planning to watch the fireworks shows along the coast on the water, be sure that you have the equipment necessary to operate your boat after dark.