Waterway mile marker initiative helps rescuers find stranded boaters

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- Water rescues may now become more precise after the placement of a waterway mile marker system on Drakes Creek.

An initiative started by Warren County Emergency Management along with the Drakes Creek Canoe Club, the waterway marker system is similar to highway mile marker. Markers are posted on trees along the creek side. in the event help is needed, someone can call and send help to a specific spot along the creek making it easier for rescuers to find stranded boaters.

Deputy Director of Warren County Emergency Management Travis Puckett said  it’s reassuring to know that people are safer thanks to this initiative.

“It’s a relief knowing that if someone gets stranded or gets injured or something on the creek, hopefully they’re able to communicate and tell us exactly what mile marker they’re at or give us their last mile marker reference,” Puckett said.

The project is still in its beginning phase, with many more markers to go up.

“The signs are going to go from the entrance of Drakes Creek at Barren River, all the way to the Ky. 240 bridge on Plano Road, which is 23 miles of creek and river,” Puckett said.

On July 1, the mile markers were already used to provide aid to someone who needed it in the Drakes Creek area. Owner of Drakes Creek Canoe rentals Tony Allison said he’s glad the markers are already being put to good use.

“I thought it was fantastic. We started putting these markers out on Sunday. We put the first six miles of markers out, and the emergency management department contacted us and told us they used them the other night on a rescue off of the creek. We thought that was great,” Allison said.

Allison said he’s also glad to help keep the community safe.

“It’s great. It’s a source of pride for not only my business, but the area that we’re from, Allison said.

“With water activities becoming more popular, Allison said he’s at ease knowing people can safely enjoy it.

“As this sport continues to grow, the fact that it’s safe, that the waters are accessible and easy to is fantastic,” Allison said.