FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is asking people to be prepared and stay safe if they plan to go boating on Memorial Day weekend.
Chad Dyer of the ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division told News 19 they were expecting hundreds of boats on the Tennessee River for Memorial Day.
“We want to make sure everyone is using their boat safely so they can have an enjoyable experience on the water and get home safely at the end of the day,” Dyer said.
According to Dyer, boaters can do several things to prepare for this weekend. This includes checking the fire extinguishers on their boats, making sure you have enough life jackets, and making sure your boat’s lights are working.
Dyer said anyone who has consumed alcohol should not be allowed to drive a boat.
“Any time you go for alcoholic beverages, you have to designate a driver,” Dyer said.
Dyer added that they will also have more officers patrolling the water throughout the three-day weekend.
“We’re going to have as many boats as we can get in the water,” Dyer said. “We want to make sure everyone in our division is going to work this holiday weekend. We’ll try to make sure we have as much coverage as possible. »
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