Boaters are urged to follow safety protocols as summer approaches.
Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.
Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence
Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?
May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf
Click the button below to sponsor our articles:
Sponsor Our ArticlesFollowing 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
February 2025 Brings Community Health and Cultural Events to Lexington
News Summary In a significant and controversial move, US Marines have been deployed to Los…
News Summary A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot continue to detain Mahmoud…
News Summary Kentucky Community and Technical College System President Ryan Quarles has proposed 27 goals…
News Summary Former Lexington City Councilman David Kloiber has announced his candidacy for the open…
News Summary Theatres of Georgetown will soon reopen with new ownership after a temporary closure…
News Summary A 16-year-old has been arrested for the murder of Freddie Richard Lynem Jr.,…