If you don't enjoy having a few drinks on the lake, you need to get your pulse checked.

 

I don't think that was the point he was making.

 

I am all for having a few drinks and relaxing on the lake but not driving the boat like a wild man pulling peeps on a tube. Huge difference.

I don't think that was the point he was making.

 

I am all for having a few drinks and relaxing on the lake but not driving the boat like a wild man pulling peeps on a tube. Huge difference.

 

I know, and I agree. Just sayin', not much better than being on the lake with a cold brew.

If you don't enjoy having a few drinks on the lake, you need to get your pulse checked.

 

Anyone who knows me knows that I'll have a couple drinks just about anywhere.

 

Those people also know that my Norse/German heritage means that staying in the sun for longer than 30 minutes is a terrible hazard.

 

But the Guru was right about my meaning: I'm not in for getting rowdy with case of Bud Diesels as we drive around on the water. Now a steady stream of beer while sitting on a bar stool and watching the Dayton Flyers lose... again... now that' I'm ready for.

Not being a drinker, I have no idea what the law is now regarding alcohol and boating.

 

What is/isn't allowed?

 

What is the law about patrol officers enforcing the regulations?

 

If it's the same as it was a couple years ago, it's absolutely zero open containers. Apparently there is/was no "designated driver" in boating.

 

Had a friend and his wife that had two other couples on their boat. The guys were tubing, the ladies were watching, and my friend was driving. He was stone cold sober. (In fact, he doesn't even drink due to his diabetic condition.) They had actually stopped for a bit, when they were approached. Two of the ladies were drinking some wine out of plastic cups, and they said that was against the law, and that he (my friend) could get cited for it. He said "I haven't had a single drop!", and they said "It doesn't matter". But, at least they let him off with a warning.

What I've found is that the majority of boaters on any lake for that matter, are courteous and conscientious. But the ones who are not seem to be even more out of control like there's no consequence for their total lack of control of the vessel they operate.

 

I have no idea if officers abuse their authority. Actually I have no doubt. But I sure hope we don't enact legislation that would handcuff (pardon the pun) officers from policing idiots on the lake.

What I've found is that the majority of boaters on any lake for that matter, are courteous and conscientious. But the ones who are not seem to be even more out of control like there's no consequence for their total lack of control of the vessel they operate.

 

I have no idea if officers abuse their authority. Actually I have no doubt. But I sure hope we don't enact legislation that would handcuff (pardon the pun) officers from policing idiots on the lake.

 

I haven't thought this out but I am thinking safety checks were being abused to check for alcohol related offenses instead of adhering to the normal set of procedures for stopping a boater for suspicion of driving a boat under the influence.

What I've found is that the majority of boaters on any lake for that matter, are courteous and conscientious. But the ones who are not seem to be even more out of control like there's no consequence for their total lack of control of the vessel they operate.

 

I have no idea if officers abuse their authority. Actually I have no doubt. But I sure hope we don't enact legislation that would handcuff (pardon the pun) officers from policing idiots on the lake.

 

Party pooper.

What I've found is that the majority of boaters on any lake for that matter, are courteous and conscientious. But the ones who are not seem to be even more out of control like there's no consequence for their total lack of control of the vessel they operate.

 

I have no idea if officers abuse their authority. Actually I have no doubt. But I sure hope we don't enact legislation that would handcuff (pardon the pun) officers from policing idiots on the lake.

 

Senate Bill 66 is a proposed amendment to Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 235.310, which is the enabling act that allows the Fish and Wildlife Officers to board boats on waters they patrol to inspect for safety violations.

 

Without quoting the whole thing, it basically adds to that section the requirement that Fish and Wildlife officers need to have a "reasonable and articulable suspicion" of a violation under Chapter 235, the boats and boating chapter. The current provisions ostensibly give officers a blank slate to board vessels whenever they like.

 

They will still be permitted checks without suspicion but have they have to take place on a "determined schedule". I have no idea what that means or how it works.

So, if the are "wondering" if I have the proper requirement of life jackets, this would prevent them from checking?

So, if the are "wondering" if I have the proper requirement of life jackets, this would prevent them from checking?

 

Maybe. I think they now would need to have some suspicion that you don't. "Reasonable suspicion" isn't an incredibly high standard. If you've got six people riding around on a boat and none of them have life jackets on, it may be enough to get to reasonable suspicion. It's more than a hunch, but less than probable cause.

Last spring, we were out fishing one evening and we were up in a cove when it got dark enough that we needed to turn our navigation lights on. We heard a boat of party goers go up and down the main lake several times, obviously pulling tubes or skiers. They were loud and boisterous, sounded like a mix of men and women. Keep in mind, Dewey lake is a very small lake and not more than 200 yards wide at the widest point. Even though they were no more than 150 yards away from us, we couldn't see them because it was too dark and they didn't have a light on that boat. We didn't budge until we were sure they were well out of the area.

 

I don't know how some people survive.

 

I understand the rights/abuse issue and there needs to be some accountability for the enforcement of the laws. I just don't want to see any action that would make it easier for people to get away with being intoxicated on the water. Even though it may be an aggravation, I would gladly submit to a search of my boat every time I put it on the water if it keeps idiots like that from killing themselves or somebody else.

 

I realize that may not be the best stance, legally, but it is my personal feeling.

So, if the are "wondering" if I have the proper requirement of life jackets, this would prevent them from checking?

 

I may be wrong but I think they can pretty much complete a safety inspection any time to verify life jackets, fire extinguisher, oar etc... I know Coast Guard can and I would assume Water Patrol can also without reasonable suspicion.

I may be wrong but I think they can pretty much complete a safety inspection any time to verify life jackets, fire extinguisher, oar etc... I know Coast Guard can and I would assume Water Patrol can also without reasonable suspicion.

 

That's the amendment they're making. It's the section authorizing those safety checks.

 

They'll now need to have a reasonable suspicion that a violation of KRS Chapter 235 is taking place.

That's the amendment they're making. It's the section authorizing those safety checks.

 

They'll now need to have a reasonable suspicion that a violation of KRS Chapter 235 is taking place.

 

How in the world would you every have reasonable suspicion that a boat didn't have a fire extinguisher or enough life jackets...I think the unintended consequence will be far less "Warnings" given and more citations on boats that are stopped.

 

But I'd guess that wouldn't have any bearing on Coast Guard checks on the Waterways they patrol in the state.

How in the world would you every have reasonable suspicion that a boat didn't have a fire extinguisher or enough life jackets...I think the unintended consequence will be far less "Warnings" given and more citations on boats that are stopped.

 

But I'd guess that wouldn't have any bearing on Coast Guard checks on the Waterways they patrol in the state.

 

Right. No effect on Coast Guard. This chapter only regulates the actions of Fish and Wildlife officers.