Safety urged this boating season

By Staff
Rebecca Walker, Franklin County Times
Boating is a popular activity in the summer months. However, there are a few precautions that boaters should take before heading out onto the lake or river.
Roy Nagle, a vessel examiner for the Coast Guard Auxillary in Florence and resident of Phil Campbell, says that life jackets are more important than people think.
"It's like seatbelts. You just never know. Everyone thinks it won't happen to them. But boating accidents can happen before you know it," he said.
Children under eight years of age are required to wear a life jacket if they are to be in a boat. Adults should wear them as well, and make sure that they fit correctly.
"If you have gained or lost weight since the last time you wore a life jacket, you need to try it on and make sure it fits," says Nagle. "It should be comfortable, and not too tight or loose."
"Anyone in a boat should be familiar with the rules of the road," he said. "You should know how to operate the boat, and always watch out for others who may not be watching out for you. Make sure you know what people around you are doing."
Another piece of advice offered by Nagle is how to use the gas in the boat's tank. According to Nagle, one-third of the gas should be used to get to the location, another third for any recreation activities, and the final third of the tank should be saved for getting back to the starting point.
Also, if a boat is equipped with a kill switch, it must be worn by the operator. This is to prevent the boat from continuing to run, should the operator be thrown out.
Waterskiers should know that either a mirror or a spotter is required when water skiing.
According to the Website, alabamaoutdoors.com, "Everyone on board a vessel must have a life jacket available to them. Anyone being towed on skis or a tube, riding a Jet Ski or Sea Doo, or boating within 800 feet below a dam must wear a life jacket."
On the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, and any other time when Franklin County residents are on the water, these tips should be taken into account.

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x