Officials encourage safety precautions before boating this weekend

Because many owners have not had their boats out since last fall, becoming reacquainted with basic safety procedures helps protect boaters and other aquatic recreationists as they venture back out on the water to enjoy the warmer weather.

Boaters are encouraged to consult the 2023-2024 Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide before visiting a boat ramp, the release said. The guide provides basic boating information, including regulations, and is available online at fw.ky.gov and wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Thoroughly check to make sure required equipment is present and in good working condition before launching. Make a float plan so that someone on shore knows about the trip itinerary and include passenger names, ages and emergency contact information. Watch the weather and stay aware of surroundings, especially nearby boat traffic.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife urges boat operators to complete a boating safety course, or review standard procedures if they are already safety-certified, the release said. General guidance about boating requirements in Kentucky is available on the department’s website at Boating — Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Kentucky boat registrations expire April 30 each year, so owners who haven’t done so already will need to renew their annual boat registration through their county clerk’s office, the release said. All mechanically powered vessels used primarily in Kentucky will need a registration certificate carried on board.

Rented boats must carry the lease agreement on board. Boats registered in other states may be used in Kentucky for up to 60 consecutive days without registering here.

As a reminder, a person must be at least 12 years old to operate a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on public waters. This includes personal watercraft, the release said. A boat operator 12-17 years old must possess a Safe Boating Certificate Card obtained upon completion of a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators-approved boater education course.

Kentucky law requires each occupant of a boat to have ready access to a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that properly fits each person. Children younger than 12 must wear a lifejacket that fits them at all times while in the open portion of a boat that is underway.

“The same kind of safety behavior the public practices with automobiles should be applied to watercraft,” Carrier said in the release. “Anyone operating or riding in a boat should wear a life jacket and avoid alcohol consumption. Like seatbelts, life jackets are proven to save lives.”

Life Jacket Loaner Stations, available in a growing number of locations across the state, allow parties to temporarily borrow life jackets.

Conservation officers will be out in force for the Memorial Day weekend to monitor waterways across the state to help keep everyone safe as they enjoy the start to summer. For emergencies, call for assistance at 1-800-252-5378, or contact a local law enforcement agency or nearest Kentucky State Police post. Marine channel 16 can be used to contact a local marina.

Opportunities for boating and fishing abound across Kentucky, but boaters should check online or call ahead for operating hours before launching a boat to help ensure a favored location is open and available.

A new smartphone app also allows boaters to find directions to local lakes, read fishing reports, learn about regulations, find stocking schedules, locate the nearest boat ramp and more. To download the app to your phone, go to Fish Boat KY App — Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife or search for “Fish Boat KY” in your preferred app store. Remember to insert spaces between words.

Additional boating information can be found on the department’s website at Boating — Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Questions also can be directed to the information center at 1-800-858-1549, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST weekdays, excluding holidays.