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Advocates Call for Boating Safety in Kentucky After Tragedy

Boaters practicing safety measures on a Kentucky lake

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News Summary

Following the tragic death of 12-year-old Keegan Peterson at Nolin Lake due to a jet ski accident, advocates in Kentucky are pushing for stricter boating safety regulations. Keegan’s mother, Heather Yelton, is leading the effort for legislative changes, emphasizing the need for mandatory boating licenses for adults. The Kentucky Division of Water and Department for Public Health have issued safety recommendations for water activities. As Safe Boating Week approaches, officials are urging all boaters to prioritize safety and personal responsibility on the water.

Louisville, Kentucky – Advocates Push for Boating Safety Following Tragic Death

As summer approaches and more people in Kentucky engage in water activities, a tragic incident has brought significant attention to the importance of boating safety. A 12-year-old boy, Keegan Peterson, lost his life after being struck by a jet ski operated by a distracted driver at Nolin Lake. In the wake of this accident, safety advocates, including Keegan’s mother, are calling for stronger regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Boating Safety Recommendations Issued by State Officials

The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) and the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) are emphasizing the need for safe practices around the state’s water resources. Even as water quality has improved, officials recognize that health risks remain, and they have outlined several key precautions for anyone participating in activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and canoeing:

Avoid ingesting or inhaling water.
Thoroughly clean hands and any exposed areas after contact with water.
Keep open wounds away from water.
Refrain from swimming in areas with advisories about harmful algal blooms (HAB).
Stay out of water that emits odors or has surface scum.
Avoid entering water following heavy rainfall, particularly in urban or agricultural landscapes.
Do not swim near wastewater treatment facility outfalls or other pollution sources.
Prevent pets and livestock from drinking contaminated water.

For updated information on water quality, individuals can refer to the DOW Advisory page and the Water Health Portal. Those experiencing symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset or rashes after being in the water are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Call for Legislative Action

In response to her son’s death, Keegan’s mother, Heather Yelton, is advocating for enhanced water safety laws in Kentucky. Currently, the state does not require individuals over the age of 18 to obtain a boating license. Yelton is working with Representative Ken Fleming to draft potential legislation aimed at increasing safety measures on lakes, which may include mandatory boating licenses for adults and stricter regulations regarding the operation of jet skis and inflatable tubes.

While pressing for new laws, Yelton underscores the significance of personal responsibility. She emphasizes the need for boater education and safety awareness to complement any legislative efforts.

Safe Boating Week and Preparedness Measures

This year, Safe Boating Week is being observed nationally until May 23, coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) encourages all boaters to take the following precautions:

Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
Avoid alcohol consumption while operating a boat.
Complete a Safe Boating Course to become familiar with laws and regulations.
Stay informed about weather conditions and carry communication devices.
File a Float Plan that outlines your boating itinerary for emergencies.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, KDFWR game wardens and the U.S. Coast Guard will be actively patrolling water bodies to ensure compliance with safety measures.

Emergency Response Information

In the event of an emergency on the water, individuals should call 911 or the helpline at 800-25-ALERT (800-252-5378). They can also use marine channel 16 to contact nearby marinas for assistance.

As the summer season begins and recreational activities increase, the push for enhanced boating safety in Kentucky remains vital. With both personal responsibility and regulatory adjustments in focus, the state hopes to create a safer environment for all who enjoy its waters.