Wet weather may keep some people off the water this weekend, but the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources says there will be plenty of beautiful boating days ahead. In a Facebook post, the department cited a recent BoatBooker study that ranked Mississippi the second-safest state in the nation for boating and thanked Marine Patrol officers for helping keep the state’s waterways safe.
The department urged boaters to follow basic safety practices: always wear and check life jackets; never boat under the influence; maintain a safe speed and distance from other vessels; carry proper safety equipment and distress signals; and stay aware of weather conditions before and during a trip.
The DMR said it offers free Boat & Water Safety classes and provided a link to class dates and information on its website. The guidance comes as summer boating season begins and as officials emphasize safety ahead of peak recreational use of Mississippi waters.
Responsible boating can reduce accidents and ease demands on emergency responders, the department said. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
