DECATUR -
The holiday weekend has begun.
For many of you the work week is done and it's time for a weekend of family gatherings and fireworks. Starting Friday a lot of people will be hitting the water to celebrate Independence day.
One place that'll be hopping with boats is the Tennessee River.
But before you head out there's a few things you need to know.
"The smart thing to do is plan today and say today who is going to be our designated driver," said Alabama Marine Police Officer Larry Adams.
Alabama Marine Police Officer Larry Adams scourers the Tennessee River for violators.
"Out here on the water, it's a little bit different because the effects of alcohol are increased that's mainly due to dehydration and just the stresses placed on the body from not being on solid ground," said Officer Adams.
Boating and drinking is not the only violation he'll be looking for on the water.
"I'm talking about following to close behind a skier in a boat, traveling through a congested area at a high rate of speed, towing or weaving a skier through a congested area, over weighted vessel, that's just to name a few," said Officer Adams.
Officer Adams will also be doing safety checks like what he's doing with this boat.
He checks for license and registration, if the boat has enough life jackets for everyone on board and if they have a fire extinguisher and an emergency kill switch.
"All children under the age of eight must be wearing a life jacket at all times," said Officer Adams.
Pretty simple to stay out of trouble Officer Adams says as long as your following the law. If not, a good time on the water can turn into time behind bars.
Marine Police will be out in full force on the waters across the Tennessee Valley this fourth of July weekend.
If you are caught drinking and driving a boat the fine can cost $500 to $1,500. It's no different than being on a highway.
For many of you the work week is done and it's time for a weekend of family gatherings and fireworks. Starting Friday a lot of people will be hitting the water to celebrate Independence day.
One place that'll be hopping with boats is the Tennessee River.
But before you head out there's a few things you need to know.
"The smart thing to do is plan today and say today who is going to be our designated driver," said Alabama Marine Police Officer Larry Adams.
Alabama Marine Police Officer Larry Adams scourers the Tennessee River for violators.
"Out here on the water, it's a little bit different because the effects of alcohol are increased that's mainly due to dehydration and just the stresses placed on the body from not being on solid ground," said Officer Adams.
Boating and drinking is not the only violation he'll be looking for on the water.
"I'm talking about following to close behind a skier in a boat, traveling through a congested area at a high rate of speed, towing or weaving a skier through a congested area, over weighted vessel, that's just to name a few," said Officer Adams.
Officer Adams will also be doing safety checks like what he's doing with this boat.
He checks for license and registration, if the boat has enough life jackets for everyone on board and if they have a fire extinguisher and an emergency kill switch.
"All children under the age of eight must be wearing a life jacket at all times," said Officer Adams.
Pretty simple to stay out of trouble Officer Adams says as long as your following the law. If not, a good time on the water can turn into time behind bars.
Marine Police will be out in full force on the waters across the Tennessee Valley this fourth of July weekend.
If you are caught drinking and driving a boat the fine can cost $500 to $1,500. It's no different than being on a highway.
