|
TWRA INCREASES BOATING SAFETY OFFICERS
by Steve McCadams
www.stevemccadams.com
Notice an increase in visibility of TWRA boating patrols this past
weekend on Kentucky Lake? The Memorial Day holiday is always a big
recreational time and it kicks off the summer boating season for most
folks.
In years past TWRA has increased boating safety patrols on such holidays
as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. That's because the lake
activity increases during those times from anglers, jet skis, pleasure
boaters and the like.
Yet the agency will be increasing officers throughout the spring, summer
and fall this year since the TWRA Commission approved additional funds
for its boating safety program.
Already on the water and joining area wildlife officers in hopes of
making the waterways more safe and secure are new personnel. Across the
state there are 25 new TWRA boating safety officers.
Here in the Paris Landing area there are three new officers who have
been working the lake during the week, along with weekend patrols and
holiday "saturation" zones.
TWRA recently hired Steve Wright, former superintendent of Paris Landing
State Park. Also from the Paris area is Jim Napier, former Nashville
Metro policeman and Monte Belew, Tennessee Highway Patrolman.
The positions are part time so the officers may continue to hold other
jobs, such as Belew who will remain full time with the THP.
"These new officers will greatly enhance our ability to keep the
high use areas safe for all lake users," said area supervisor Ken
Dykes. "These officers have undergone additional training in our
boating safety program and were already graduates of the Tennessee Law
Enforcement Academy. While their emphasis is on boating safety such as
routine checks for registration, safety checks, boating under the
influence (BUI), and other such regulations, they will also have the
authority to check other areas such as fishing licenses and creel or
link limits."
"There's no doubt area boaters will be seeing more TWRA boats on
the water this year", continued Dykes. "That's a plus for the
whole area."
"Last weekend was pretty safe overall but we did have one BUI case,
one jet ski accident that resulted in an injury and one boat fire,"
said Monte Belew. "The cool weather and high wind seemed to curtail
activity on Saturday but Sunday and Monday increased. Overall, boaters
behaved good."
Each holiday the agency brings in other officers from surrounding
counties to Paris Landing. Officers work assigned shifts so that at
least two or more crews are out throughout the daylight hours when
activity is at its peak.
Units are also assigned certain regions of the lake so that the vast
area is covered. When you stop to consider how much water is out there,
it takes a lot of manpower to cover it all as there are numerous bays,
boat ramps, resorts, swimming areas and such.
From pontoons to water skiers; it takes a lot of watching and checking
on TWRA's part to ensure the lake is safe for all recreationalists.
Routine citations range from no running lights to improper boat
registration. Yet there's other important regulations such as having a
personal floatation device for everyone on board and a charged up fire
extinguisher in case of
an emergency.
So, here's a bit of advice before heading out on your next outing on
Kentucky Lake: it's best to check yourself before going on the water as
chances are good that you'll be greeted by TWRA officers this season.
After all, they're doing their job to make sure the thousands of boaters
who share the lake with each other stay safe.
With the increased number of boaters all across the state, it's good to
see the TWRA Commission address this need. A lot of people have been
boating and fishing for years yet often say an officer has never checked
them. That's about to change in this area!
So, "Boat Smart From the Start", says the Recreational Boating
and Fishing Week Foundation during this special week for boaters that
runs through June 10th.
Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide
here in the
Paris Landing area and host of The Outdoor Channel's television series IN-PURSUIT.
|
|
