Marine Police Encouraging Boater Safety On Sweltering Weekend

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – If you plan on cooling off on the lake or river this weekend to celebrate the 4th of July, you need to know, this extreme heat can be just as brutal on the water.

As the sun beats down on the water, you’re being hit with the heat from all angles. Your body will try to cool down, and could ultimately lead to dehydration if you aren’t drinking enough water.

If while you’re celebrating, you and your friends or family want to grab a beer, make sure you’re also drinking water. While beer may quench your thirst for a moment, it can ultimately lead to severe dehydration.

And if you’re drinking, make sure you have a designated driver on board.

“My hope is that everybody will come out on the waterway and be safe while they’re out here,” said Sergeant Jeff Lowery with the Alabama Marine Police.

On Memorial Day weekend Alabama Marine Police made 13 arrests for boating under the influence. Six BUIs alone were on Lake Guntersville.

Another factor that makes popular boating weekends so dangerous is that on the water there are no lines or lanes to direct boat traffic. Make sure you’re aware of the other boats around you and maintain enough distance between you and other boaters to avoid a collision.