Conservation officers in Mississippi were a little busier than usual this past weekend as folks across the state hit various waterways to enjoy Memorial Day festivities.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks reports that officers encountered over 3,600 boaters statewide, issuing 315 citations. Of these, 32 were related to personal flotation devices (PFDs), 33 were drug and alcohol related, and 28 involved reckless operation of a vessel.
Officers also made seven arrests for boating under the influence. Compared to Memorial Day weekend in previous years, officials report that total citations were down, with the most significant decrease being in PFDs.
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- Every vessel must carry one wearable USCG-approved PFD, also known as a life jacket, for each person on board.
- Ensure PFDs are in good and serviceable condition.
- Have appropriately sized PFDs for everyone aboard the vessel.
- Keep PFDs readily accessible in case of an emergency.
“We had an outstanding holiday weekend, ensuring safe boating practices for everyone on the water,” Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Boating Law Administrator Major Chris Clark said. “We appreciate Mississippi boaters for their increased efforts to boat safely, as seen through the decrease in citations this year. We continue to encourage you all to stay safe, make responsible decisions, and wear proper PFD.”
Conservation officers will continue to monitor boating activity throughout the summer to maintain a fun and safe environment for everyone to enjoy.
