As temperatures rise, so does the desire for those in the greater Fort Knox community to head out on Kentucky’s waterways and enjoy the great outdoors. However, before doing so, officials urge people to keep activities safe and legal.
The first step, as with many motor vehicles, is licensing.
Fort Knox Equipment Checkout Center manager Christopher Harness said that in order to legally operate a boat in Kentucky or rent one from him, a boating safety class certificate, or blue card, is required. A variety of safety class options are available at Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
“[The licensing] is just to prevent future accidents and help educate folks who may have no idea what they’re doing when operating a boat,” said Harness. “The class can be completed relatively quickly or can take several hours depending on which one you choose. Just be aware that not all are recognized outside of Kentucky.”
According to Fort Knox Safety Specialist Vincent Bacon, there are more than 12 million registered boats in the U.S. and in 2021 alone, 658 individuals lost their lives to boating-related accidents in this country.
Bacon said when one gets in a boat, there’s one thing to do above all else to stay safe.
“Wear a life vest and make sure they fit properly – don’t have one that’s too big or two small,” said Bacon. “It’s also good to have a couple of lifebuoys on the boat.”
According to Bacon, the law requires there to be a life vest on board for each individual and that individuals ages 13 and younger must actually wear them at all times.
Harness added he always recommends even those over 13 always wear a vest when boating, but it’s not required law unless it’s the auto-inflatable type.
“The inflatables do not count as a person floatation device unless you’re physically wearing them at all times,” said Harness. “I do recommend them because they’re compact, lightweight and are designed to keep you upright if you get tossed into the water, but just always be wearing them or be sure to have the commensurate number of regular vests in the boat in case you get stopped.”
Bacon said one thing should never be allowed when on the water.
“Never get on a boat when you’ve been drinking or drink when you’re out on the water. Law enforcement will treat it the same as a DUI on the road,” said Bacon. “It’s not worth it – it will slow your reaction time and create the potential for a variety of unsafe and life-threatening situations.”
Bacon said there are also special considerations when swimming in lakes and rivers.
“Be aware that there are currents that can pull you under. There are no lifeguards in rivers and lakes to help you,” said Bacon.
In addition to general safety precautions, Bacon also recommended having a fully charged cell phone, letting someone know where you’re going before you leave, and bringing a buddy.
“It’s always a good idea to have another licensed individual with you who is familiar with how to operate the boat in the event the driver is incapacitated,” said Bacon.
Items that are good to have on the boat include flare guns, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, extra paddles and emergency whistles.
“Whistles are actually required on boats by law,” added Harness.
Bacon said it’s also a good idea to be familiar with how to perform CPR.
“The Fort Knox Fire Department offers quarterly CPR classes,” said Bacon. “When you’re dealing with water it’s a great thing to know, and it may help save lives.”
Harness offered one more piece of advice.
“Just be sure to pay attention out there.
“As the water warms up folks are going to start tubing,” he said. “People can fall off the tube and it would be very easy for another boat to come along and hit them. There can also be trees and other obstacles just under the surface of the water.
“Just stay focused.”
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