ALEA kicks off National Safe Boating Week by highlighting new boating regulations

Before you get ready to get behind the wheel of a boat for the Memorial Day weekend, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) wants the public to know about some recent legislations enacted to enhance water safety across the state of Alabama.

1. Act 2023-363: The emergency cut off switch and other Marine Patrol reorganization changes. The law requires the emergency cut-off switch link to be in use on covered vessels while the vessel is above displacement speed. This new requirement is aimed at protecting occupants of the boat and other vessels from runaway boats by ensuring the engine immediately stops when the operator leaves the helm or is displaced for any reason.
2. Act2023-459: Wakesurfing regulations. This act regulates wakeboarding and wakesurfing on the waters of the state impounded by Lewis Smith Lake, Lake Wedowee, and on Shoal Creek in Lauderdale County. A person may not engage in wakeboarding or wakesurfing between sunset and sunrise, on portion of water where the width is less than 400 feet, within 200 feet from any shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse, or other structure located on the impounded waters, and while not wearing a personal flotation device approved by the United State Coast Guard.
3. Act 2024-212: Addition of Wakesurfing regulations. This act will include Lake Martin and Weiss Lake but will not take effect on those bodies of water until October 1, 2024.
4. Act 2024-394: Nonresident Boater Safety Certification requirement. This act will not take effect until October 1, 2024.

Along with highlighting these recent legislative changes, ALEA also promoted water and boating safety for all Alabamians planning to be on the water during the upcoming holiday weekend. Those safety tips include:

• Wearing a life jacket
• Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs while operating a boat
• Checking weather conditions before venturing out to the water
• Following navigation rules (observe speed limits, maintain safe distance from other vessels, and adhere to all navigational markers and buoys)
• Equipping your boat with fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and a first aid kit
• Always be prepared on the water

For more information on ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division and safety initiatives, visit ALEA’s website.