Summer has arrived and along with the hot weather, is everyone wanting to enjoy the waterways in our area. A serious and growing problem are boating accidents and the lack of proper education and training. As recreational boating is becoming more popular and people who are operating these motor crafts have little or no training, a beautiful day on the water can quickly turn tragic.

As with operating any motor vehicle, don’t drink and drive. Always have a designated driver who knows how to safely operate the boat. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Marine boat as well as other law enforcement agencies will be making more random stops and searches on the water, checking for alcohol as well as safety equipment.

Tragic water accidents can happen quickly and could be avoided by knowing and following basic safety rules. Two of the more important are; never swim alone, alcohol while swimming and or boating, do not mix.