A Message from Trooper Ty Ray
Lake Jordan residents
I just wanted to take a moment and remind everyone of a few things as the summer fast approaches and boating traffic increases. As you make your boating plans remember to check over all of your safety equipment. Fire extinguishers leak, life jackets tear and dry rot, etc. Make sure ALL of your REQUIRED safety equipment is on board. Also take a little time and re-familiarize yourself with the state’s marine laws. You can find all the laws on the Outdooralabama.com website under the boating section. Most importantly, please use good judgement when consuming alcohol and boating. In other words, have a designated operator. This will be my third summer working on Lake Jordan and I have noticed two trends with numerous boats at night. First, boats running with their docking lights on. By doing this it creates a couple of problems. The first being, it blinds on coming boats. Secondly it drowns out the boat’s navigation (red and green) lights. The other trend which I found, mostly with pontoon boats, is the stern light (the most important light on your vessel) not being properly displayed. Remember that it must be able to be seen 360 degrees and stand at least 1 meter above the red and green lights. When the pontoon’s top is laid down remember to stand the white light up. Finally, remember to carry spare bulbs, tools, zip ties or electrical tape, a flashlight, water, and a first aid kit in the unfortunate case you do break down. Help may only be five minutes away but plan as if it will be two hours.
If you have an issue or a question you can call our district office in Alex. City at 256-329-2268 for assistance. If there is an emergency call 911. Or if you see me on the water wave me down and I’ll be happy to help you. I look forward to a busy and SAFE summer.
Trooper Ty Ray
ALEA- Marine Patrol
I just wanted to take a moment and remind everyone of a few things as the summer fast approaches and boating traffic increases. As you make your boating plans remember to check over all of your safety equipment. Fire extinguishers leak, life jackets tear and dry rot, etc. Make sure ALL of your REQUIRED safety equipment is on board. Also take a little time and re-familiarize yourself with the state’s marine laws. You can find all the laws on the Outdooralabama.com website under the boating section. Most importantly, please use good judgement when consuming alcohol and boating. In other words, have a designated operator. This will be my third summer working on Lake Jordan and I have noticed two trends with numerous boats at night. First, boats running with their docking lights on. By doing this it creates a couple of problems. The first being, it blinds on coming boats. Secondly it drowns out the boat’s navigation (red and green) lights. The other trend which I found, mostly with pontoon boats, is the stern light (the most important light on your vessel) not being properly displayed. Remember that it must be able to be seen 360 degrees and stand at least 1 meter above the red and green lights. When the pontoon’s top is laid down remember to stand the white light up. Finally, remember to carry spare bulbs, tools, zip ties or electrical tape, a flashlight, water, and a first aid kit in the unfortunate case you do break down. Help may only be five minutes away but plan as if it will be two hours.
If you have an issue or a question you can call our district office in Alex. City at 256-329-2268 for assistance. If there is an emergency call 911. Or if you see me on the water wave me down and I’ll be happy to help you. I look forward to a busy and SAFE summer.
Trooper Ty Ray
ALEA- Marine Patrol
The following article was published in Alabama Power's Shorelines and featured Lake Jordan resident, Barbara Dreyer.
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