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Article published Jun 21, 2009 Rains fall, lake levels rise
Thanks to the bountiful rainfall this spring, it looks like all of the area lakes have reached full summer pool. Fishing and recreational boating have a maximum of lake acreage on which to play. With the slow economy and more people vacationing closer to home, the Tennessee Valley Authority expects the Tennessee waterways to be busier that usual. And so this caution:
Nine out of ten boating-related drownings involve a victim who was not wearing a personal floatation device. While it is not legally required, everyone should wear one the entire time spent in an open boat. Besides, new designs in life vests have made them very comfortable.
And don't overlook this boating regulation: Anytime a vessel is moving, even if it is only adrift, any passenger under age 13 must, by law, wear a personal flotation device.
If a boat is not docked or tied to a fixed object, then a young passenger is required to wear a PFD. A boat does not have to be under the power of a motor for the law to apply. It applies even if the boat is just drifting. This law has been required for several years by TWRA, but it is now a U.S. Coast Guard regulation nationwide. Young boaters that are in a cabin or enclosed area are not required to wear a PFD.
One more caveat. Nationally, more than 50 percent of all recreational boating fatalities involve alcohol use.
BUI, Boating Under the Influence, is a violation of the law similar to Driving Under the Influence. Both motor vehicle drivers and boat pilots must be sober when operating their respective vehicles. The blood alcohol threshold for BUI and DUI is .08 percent.
Open containers of alcohol are not permitted in motor vehicles, but drinking is allowed on boats. The TWRA is the legal authority on the state's waterways and it is keen on enforcing BUI. For that reason, and for your own safety, it is important to have a designated skipper.
Boaters are reminded to be wary of "boater fatigue," a phenomenon in which a combination of sun, wind, noise, vibration and boat motion can triple the effects of alcohol on boaters. Mildly dehydrated people will absorb alcohol more quickly into their system and will have a higher blood alcohol content than non-dehydrated people.
n Remington Arms Company has acquired another thoroughbred for its growing stable of fine firearms makers. On June 5 it acquired Dakota Arms, the leading manufacturer of custom and semi-custom sporting rifles. Dakota Arms was established in 1982 in Sturgis, South Dakota. Its rifles are universally recognized for outstanding quality, design, accuracy and aesthetic appeal. Remington officials stated that the Dakota Arms craftsmanship will be maintained and the line may be expanded.
Tom Wiest welcomes news, questions and comments from readers. Contact him at wiest.tom@gmail.com.