An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife encourages boaters to follow simple steps to minimize injuries and accidents. The goal is always zero accidents, which cannot happen without everyone taking the proper safety precautions. For emergencies, call 911. For assistance while on the water, call 800-25-ALERT (800-252-5378), or contact a local law enforcement agency or the nearest Kentucky State Police post. Marine channel 16 can be used to contact a local marina.
Boat & Drive Safe on Public Waterways
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, alongside six other law enforcement agencies and safety advocates, remind Kentuckians to be safe as they get out on the water and roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to accidents and arrests. Don’t Be the U in BUI & DUI!
For more information, contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549.
Wear a Life Jacket.
Kentucky law requires each boat occupant to have ready access to a Coast Guard-approved life jacket that properly fits each person. Children younger than 12 must always wear a lifejacket that fits them while in the open portion of a moving boat. Life Jacket Loaner Stations, available in many locations across the state, allow boating parties to borrow life jackets temporarily. Make wearing your life jacket and engine kill switch a habit for you and your passengers.
Boat Sober, especially while operating or driving.
Every year, alcohol is the leading cause of injuries and accidents on Kentucky waterways. Oftentimes, this leads to individuals leaving the lake and driving under the influence (DUI), putting everyone on the roadways in danger. Operating a vehicle or boat under the influence (BUI) is extremely dangerous, impairs judgment and reaction time, and is illegal.
Take a Safe Boating Course.
Familiarize yourself with Kentucky boating laws, regulations, and navigation rules before heading out with an easy online Boater Education Class.
Stay Weather Aware.
Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions. Sudden storms or rough waters can pose significant dangers. Always have a reliable means of communication onboard to receive weather updates.
File a Float Plan.
Let someone know your boating plans before you get on the water. File a Float Plan with a friend or family member detailing your itinerary. In the event of an emergency, this information can be crucial for rescuers.
Keep up to date on Safety, Rules and Regulations.
Take the time to read about Fishing and Boating rules in Kentucky via the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide. (A Spanish edition is also available for download. También está disponible para descargar una edición en Español.) You can also check out our General Boating Guidance page.
Before you go out on your scheduled voyage or trip, make sure that you have the following items on this checklist:
Check out this mobile app from Rental Boat Safety for useful information about renting a boat for the first time and safety!
Download here:
At rentalboatsafety.com you will find instructional videos featuring Power Boats, Jet-Skis, Canoes, Kayaks, and more.
How to Properly Fit a
Life Jacket
in Four Easy Steps.
Check label for the correct weight or chest size.
The life jacket label will indicate the size and weight of the intended user. Ensure the wearer falls within these ranges. Verify that the life jacket label states it is "Coast Guard approved."
Download
Put the life jacket on.
Inspect the life jacket for wear and tear. Warning signs include rips, missing, or broken buckles or straps.
Buckle all straps & tighten/zip up all zippers.
Ensure all straps can be buckled and zippers can be zipped. Don't forget the crotch strap if there is one!
Check the fit of the life jacket on the wearer.
Have the wearer lift their arms over their head and gently lift them to the top of the life jacket arm openings. If the life jacket rides up above their ears, it's too big. The jacket is too small if the straps or zippers don't close.
Both pages are a good place to start if you are looking for places to go. Both contain information on boating access sites across the state and details of the facilities available at each. With quick links to Google Maps, you can plan your route and view aerial photos without leaving your house. Its search functions let you find sites by county, type, and close city. The application is made specifically for on-the-go adventures with your mobile device. Give it a try!
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Hook and Cook is a workshop that teaches anglers to improve their fishing and safely eat what they catch. The workshop is composed of classroom and field portions. During the field portion, participants practice filleting fish and the new fishing skills they learned with the assistance of an instructor! Sign up to Receive Updates about Future Hook and Cook Opportunities and other Aquatic Programs.
El Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Kentucky anima a los navegantes a seguir pasos sencillos para minimizar lesiones y accidentes. El objetivo es siempre cero accidentes, lo cual no puede ocurrir si no se toman las precauciones de seguridad adecuadas. En caso de emergencia, llame al 911. Para obtener asistencia en el agua, llame al 800-25-ALERT (800-252-5378), comuníquese con una agencia local del orden público o con el puesto de la Policía Estatal de Kentucky más cercano. Puede usar el canal 16 para contactar con un puerto deportivo local.
Navega y conduce con seguridad en vías fluviales públicas
El Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Kentucky, junto con otras seis agencias del orden público y defensores de la seguridad, recuerda a los habitantes de Kentucky que deben ser precavidos al salir al agua y a la carretera. Conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol o las drogas puede provocar accidentes y arrestos. ¡No sea el U en casos de conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol y conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol!
Take the time to read about Fishing and Boating rules in Kentucky via the Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide. (A Spanish edition is also available for download.) You can also check out our General Boating Guidance page.
Antes de salir en su viaje o travesía programada, asegúrese de tener los siguientes elementos en esta lista de verificación:
Los números se muestran correctamente.
Recibo de registro a bordo.
Chaleco salvavidas portátil para cada persona a bordo (encuentre una estación de préstamo de chalecos salvavidas aquí).
Dispositivo flotante arrojadizo.
Extintor de incendios.
Bocina o silbato.
Luces (roja, verde, luz blanca de 360 grados).
Para obtener información útil sobre rentar un bote por primera vez y seguridad, vea esta aplicación móvil de Rental Boat Safety.
Descárguela aquí:
En rentalboatsafety.com encontrará videos instructivos sobre botes de motor, motos acuáticas, canoas, kayaks y más.
Para obtener más información, contacte al Departamento de Recursos de Pesca y Vida Salvaje al 1-800-858-1549.