Labor Day weekend, even in 2020, was a vacation weekend for many people. But it does not need to be a vacation weekend for people to engage in risky behavior on Kentucky lakes.
As the Commonwealth Journal reports, Fish and Wildlife authorities in Monticello, Kentucky arrested over 20 people on Lake Cumberland this weekend.
Drinking while boating and other charges
In 24 hours, local water patrol efforts arrested and booked a number of individuals for charges including:
- Boating under the influence
- Failure to operate at idle speed in a harbor
- Criminal littering
- Alcoholic intoxication in a public place
- Riding on the bow while motorboat in motion
Ages ranged from 21 to 64. It is unknown whether any injuries occurred, but some charges included disorderly conduct and menacing.
Though recent events canceled out lake events, many visitors kept their reservations for the area and gathered all the same.
Risking other boaters and visitors
The story does not mention any injuries, boating or otherwise, which is fortunate. But the risk was present with so many individuals apprehended. Despite it being illegal to drink and boat in Kentucky, inebriated boaters may sail around sober boaters. An accident on a boat could include cuts, broken bones and even drownings — especially where passengers are not wearing their seatbelts or life jackets.
In the case of an injury involving a person boating under the influence, victims facing the high costs and pain of recovery have options for compensation. These laws are in place to protect everyone in Kentucky, no matter whether their motor vehicles are on the land or the lake.