Louisiana Celebrates Safe Boating Week

This weekend with the Dave Baker forecasting sunny skies and warm temperatures you can bet the waterways around Acadiana will be full of activity. We love the water in Louisiana and because so many of us choose to be on the water safety is a huge concern.

This weekend will begin the state's annual Safe Boating Week. This week is designed to help novice and experienced boaters learn to be safer on the water. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesman Adam Einck said,

"We heighten our patrols on the waterways to make sure everybody's safe.  And, also, we just try to get our safe boating message out to the public.  That way they can comply with all the rules and regulations that are in place."

Einck made those comments to the Louisiana Radio Network.

He went on to say the two things that every boater can do to instantly put themselves in a safer position are have life jackets for everyone on board and maintain a sober operator. Alcohol is a leading contributor to boat crashes and death on our state's waterways. Boaters are reminded that operating a boat while under the influence carries the same penalties as operating a car under the influence.

"If you got one on the water, you will lose your driving privileges on the road and vise versa.  And also, a DWI in the water also counts against the number of DWIs that you have."

Last year 15 people lost their lives on the state's waterways, while that was a record low number for fatalities it is still too many. Boaters are encouraged to attend safe boating classes and practice safe boating any time they are on the water.