It may sound quieter this weekend on Kentucky’s waterways but there could be more boaters than usual. State Fish and Wildlife Boating Education Coordinator Zac Campbell says, increasingly, kayaks and canoes are becoming popular on Kentucky lakes and rivers.
Campbell says people in motorized boats and non-motorized boats need to watch out for each other. "Any boat operator needs to always be focused and aware of their surroundings. If you're out on the lake by yourself, you act a little different than you would if you're in a highly congested area, whether you're on a canoe, a kayak or a motor boat," said Campbell.
Campbell says the number one recommendation for any boater is to wear a life jacket. Campbell says kayaks and canoes are traveling on water as well. He says the non-motorized boats offer convenience at a more affordable price. "You don't need a trailer. It's far more inexpensive than having to buy a boat. You don't have to have boat fuel. You can get up and go. There's less preparation, less maintenance as far as you don't have to winterize a canoe or kayak," added Campbell.
The three day Labor Day holiday weekend typically brings a bigger crowd to the state’s lakes and rivers.
Campbell says this time of year, boating enthusiasts are beginning to shift their attention to land based recreation. "A large portion of your outdoor recreating population boats and they also are sportsman as far as hunting season is coming along, people are starting to switch to that thought process, deer hunters, water fowl hunters," explained Campbell.
The Labor Day holiday weekend runs through Monday night.
