7 months ago
Many people headed out to Lake Tobesofkee this weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July.
But while you're out there having fun, Department of Natural Resources officers are busy patrolling the water to keep you safe.
Ranger First Class Kevin Joyce says there were no major accidents or BUIs on the lake this Independence Day.
BUI stands for boating under the influence.
He says there were more boaters out on the water this year, but safety violations remained about the same.
Joyce says, as the water police, his goal is to make sure everyone has a good time riding the waves, but also stays safe.
Joyce says most importantly, you need to have that safety equipment.
He says life jackets are the number one thing, to prevent fatalities or drownings.
Joyce says you should have one life jacket for every person on board the boat.
Kids under 10 should be wearing the life jacket at all times.
He says working navigational lights are also important when out on the lake.
And one violation he's always on the look out for, the one hundred foot rule.
That means anyone skiing or doing some type of water sport must be one hundred feet away from any other boat going above idle speed.
To learn more about the rules of the water or how to get a boating license, you can visit the office at Lake Tobesofkee.
