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As summer beckons Mississippians to the state’s abundant waterways, you deserve a safe and enjoyable boating experience in the Magnolia State. But whether you want to boat on the mighty Mississippi River or the tranquil waters of Sardis Lake, remember these essential safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
What Makes Mississippi Waterways Unique for Boaters?
The Mississippi River, which forms the state’s western border, can experience rapid current changes and significant water level fluctuations. Mainly due to environmental factors such as river discharge, tidal fluctuations, wind waves, and atmospheric factors like storms, topography, and sea-level changes, as well as human-made causes like levees, canal construction, dredging, subsurface fluid extraction, diversions, and flood control impoundments, the river’s variation can range from 150,000 cubic feet per second during low water to over 1 million cubic feet per second during flood stages. This dramatic variation can create hazardous conditions for unprepared boaters.
Additionally, the state’s numerous oxbow lakes often contain submerged logs and stumps that can endanger boaters who do not look out for them.
Which Safety Equipment Is Required by Mississippi Law?
Mississippi law mandates that all vessels carry the following:
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Sound-producing devices like horns, whistles, or bells
- Nighttime visual distress signals
- Fire extinguishers
- Navigation lights
- Ventilation systems
How Should Boaters Prepare for Mississippi’s Summer Weather?
Mississippi’s summer weather can change rapidly, presenting unique challenges for boaters. Mississippi experiences a higher-than-average number of rainy days during the summer months, with storms that can develop with little warning.
Check the marine weather forecasts specific to your chosen waterway, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio for updates throughout your journey. If you see darkening clouds or feel sudden temperature drops and increasing winds, take appropriate action to get out of the way of an incoming thunderstorm.
What Are the Key Differences Between River and Lake Boating in Mississippi?
River boating and lake boating in Mississippi require different skills and awareness levels. River boating can introduce strong currents that can affect navigation and fuel consumption, and floating debris after heavy rains can create collision risks. Additionally, wing dams and other river training structures can create dangerous hydraulic conditions that are not visible from the surface.
But lake boating can also carry its own set of hazards. Submerged stumps and trees can damage propellers or cause serious accidents; wind-driven waves can develop quickly on larger lakes; many shallow areas can damage the underside of your boat if you do not navigate them correctly; and poisonous plants, insects, and snakes can get into your boat if you do not avoid them.
What Emergency Procedures Should Mississippi Boaters Know?
Before heading out, Mississippi boaters should take the following steps to maximize their safety on the water:
- File a float plan. Leave your intended route, departure/return times, and passenger list with someone on shore
- Know distress signals. Use VHF Channel 16 for emergencies, display visual distress signals, or use the international distress call “Mayday.”
- Understand capsizing procedures. Stay with the boat if possible, as rescuers can spot overturned boats more easily than isolated passengers overboard
- Prepare for man overboard situations.
- Carry communication devices like cell phones in waterproof cases, VHF radios, or satellite communicators.
Stay Safe on Mississippi Waters with Legal Guidance from Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman
While these safety guidelines can reduce your risk of boating accidents, accidents on waterways like the Mississippi River, Sardis Lake, or Ross Barnett Reservoir still happen. And if someone else’s negligent actions caused that accident, you may have legal options. Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman has used our extensive experience in maritime and personal injury law to represent injured Mississippi boaters since 1987. We understand the Mississippi’s waterways and the complex regulations governing recreational boating, and we can help you if you sustain an injury while boating.
Call us or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With offices in Hernando, Southaven, and Memphis, we serve clients throughout Mississippi and Tennessee. Don’t navigate the troubled legal waters alone. Give us a call today.
