Officials share boating safety advice as summer continues

Barren County, Ky.- If you have plans to go out on the boat this summer there are a few things to keep in mind. All vessels must have fire extinguishers, a type four throwable, and a sound device, like a whistle or horn.

Every individual on the boat is required to have a life jacket. It must fit well and be on as the boat is in motion. Life jacket loaner stations are set up at every boat ramp and swimming beach at the Barren River Lake. The life jackets are available to anyone and come in infant, youth, and adult sizes.

Park Ranger on Barren River Lake, for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Alisha Wyatt, says, “Making sure that adults are visible and watching their children at all times. We have a lot of families come here and we have a lot of visitors that can get stirred up with other visitors, and so it’s always good to wear bright colors. Identify your kids and always be watching them.”

Officials say to follow traffic on the water and know what the buoys imply. And of course, if you have an emergency, dial 911.