(WKYT) – Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officers are preparing for a busy Labor Day weekend on the state’s waterways. The holiday comes nearly two months after a deadly Fourth of July boat crash on Herrington Lake in Mercer County left one person dead and others injured.
Wardens report a busy summer
James Brace is a game warden for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. On Saturday, he was one of two wardens patrolling Taylorsville Lake in Spencer County.
“The waterways in this part of Kentucky have been fairly busy this summer. We’ve seen high numbers of boaters enjoying the waterways,” Brace said.
Brace said Memorial Day marked the start of their busy seas
on, with wardens stopping boaters for issues such as not having boat registration or committing moving violations.
Brace said wardens will have boats out on the water for Labor Day weekend. He said the holiday also marks the start of hunting season, with dove season opening September 1, making the weekend significant for hunters as well.
Herrington Lake crash under investigation
The upcoming holiday comes nearly two months after the biggest incident game wardens responded to this summer on Kentucky waterways.
In July, Fish and Wildlife officials say 34-year-old Cody Casey’s wake boat collided with a pontoon boat on Herrington Lake, killing 25-year-old Nazar Svintozelskiy.
Game wardens cannot share details on the active case, but Brace said it is a reminder of the tragedies they work to prevent.
“The incident that occurred on Herrington Lake was unfortunate. It’s a boating incident that’s still under investigation and everything that’s taking place there,” Brace said.
Safety reminders for boaters
To prevent another tragedy, game wardens are urging boaters to re-check the basics before hitting the water. Requirements include:
- Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone on board.
- A sound-producing device, such as a horn or whistle.
- A working fire extinguisher.
- Children under 12 must wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is moving.
Brace said following these rules keeps families safe. He said wardens will be on the water throughout the holiday weekend.
Anyone who needs a game warden’s help on Labor Day weekend is asked to call their local state police post.