Staying safe on the water for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and that means folks are getting ready to hop on the boat and hit the water.

Though it’s a fun weekend, it also comes with many dangers if you aren’t careful. It’s National Safe Boating Week and when heading out on the water there are several things the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Office of Marine Patrol wants you to keep in mind. Boats must be equipped with Coast Guard approved; life jackets, a signal gun, life saver ring, fire extinguisher, and a first aid kits. It’s also important, especially this Memorial weekend, to be mindful of other boater and traffic congestion. But Marine Patrol Captain Patrick Levine says the most important thing… Don’t drink and drive.

“One thing that we know is that alcohol and water don’t mix very well. It’s not only illegal to operate a vessel under the influence but it can also be potentially fatal. It kills, 19 percent of boating accidents that occur throughout the nation it wasn’t just a contributing factor but alcohol was the cause of the accident. So do not operate a vessel under the influence.”

The Marine Patrol will be out in full force this holiday weekend, to help remind folks to exercise caution.