MONTGOMERY, Ala. — It's National Safe Boating Week! Alabama's Marine Patrol Division, a part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), has joined the nationwide effort for National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 18 to May 24. As part of this initiative, new requirements are being put in place for boaters. One important update mandates the installation of emergency cut-off switches, commonly known as "kill switches," on motorized boats under 26 feet in length with propulsion systems generating 3 horsepower or more. This regulation is designed to enhance safety by automatically stopping the engine in case the driver is ejected from the boat or leaves the steering wheel.
Another law, which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, regulates wakeboarding and wakesurfing on specific waters, including Lewis Smith Lake and Lake Wedowee, with the hope of ensuring safety while preserving natural beauty. Penalties for violating these laws start with a warning and may include fines. Lake Martin and Weiss Lake were recently added to the list of regulated waters and will take effect on Oct. 1, 2024.
"The safety of all individuals enjoying Alabama's waterways is paramount," stated Matt Brooks, Chief of ALEA's Marine Patrol Division. “Boats can make sudden turns with enough force to throw an operator from the helm or completely out of the boat, causing the vessel to become a deadly hazard to the ejected operator and creates a danger to others in the area. By requiring operators to utilize these switches, ALEA aims to prevent these types of accidents, thus reducing the potential for injuries and fatalities.”
ALEA's Marine Patrol Division offers safety tips, including wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol while boating, checking the weather, following navigation rules, equipping boats with safety gear, and being prepared for emergencies.
