Boating Safety Tips & Information
Local Water Body Conditions
Before heading out on a body of water, it is important to know at what stage the water level is at. If the water is too low, a boat's lower unit can be in peril. If the water is too high, their might be extra amounts of debris floating. If the water is flowing too quickly boating conditions may become extremely dangerous.
The following is a list of links to information about their current conditions at local boating locations.
National Weather Service's Current and Forecasted Condition of the Ohio River
National Weather Service's Flows and Velocities of the Ohio River
Barkley and Kentucky Lake's Flow, Temperature and Elevation via ExploreKentuckyLake.Com
Patoka Lake Water Level via USLakes.info
Lake Cumberland Water Level and Temperature via LakeCumberland.com
Advice for Safe Boating
Pekin Insurance has created a list of different ways to protect you and your family while boating this season as well as what to do if the unexpected arises. For information on accident reporting, vessel safety checks, navigation, and other tips visit their blog here.
Boat Docking
Docking a boat can be a tricky process when you factor in the current, wind, and tight spaces. Just like when you learned to parallel park your first car, your success in docking relies on practice and helpful tips. Boatsafe.com has put together a few articles regarding boat docking that are great for the first time boat owner or even an experienced boater getting a refresher for the start of the season. To protect your boat and avoid damaging other's or a dock, take a moment and read Boat Docking - An Introduction, Docking Broadside to the Wind, Docking Tips, and Dockside Do's and Don'ts.
