Celebrating Fourth of July on the water, here’s some safety reminders

TROUP COUNTY, Ga (WRBL) — Public safety officials have provided helpful tips to safely have fun on the water while celebrating the Fourth of July weekend.

Troup County Sheriff Stewart Smith says while on the water to be mindful of your surroundings as bodies of water will be busier for festivities.

Smith encourages the public to always wear a life jacket while on the boat or always have one nearby.

Smith shared with News 3 that most drowning and boating incidents are preventable. He says with the several drowning cases he’s worked with this year, only one of them was someone wearing a life jacket.

Furthermore, Smith spoke on a near drowning from the beginning of July where a three-year-old boy had to be pulled from the waters of West Point Lake. He is currently in live saving care in an Atlanta hospital.

Smith says having all the boat safety requirements recommended by the Coast Guard and the Department of Natural Resources is also a good way to remain safe.

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