| Thunder Over Louisville is an event designed
to be fun. Here are some rules and tips from the
U. S. Coast Guard to ensure that people have a safe
and enjoyable day if attending Thunder by boat.
NO WAKE ZONE. A No Wake Zone is in effect from
Ohio River Mile 604.3 (Portland Canal) through
Mile 598.0 (Six Mile Island). This is also the
area that is regulated and monitored by the Coast
Guard and other public safety officials.
Boats will be held 100 yards
upriver of the Big Four Railroad Bridge. Be Aware
of River Conditions!
- Strong river currents: High water associated
with melting snow and spring rains can significantly
increase river current speeds.
- Waves and congestion: An estimated 450 boaters
may attend this event. After the fireworks conclude,
boaters leaving the area may produce wakes and
ignore navigation rules. Be patient and plan
to take a little extra time to return home.
- Debris: High water can produce heavy debris
and drift. It is difficult, especially at night,
for boaters to see and avoid these hazards to
navigation.
- Low water temperature: While the air temperature
may be warm, the river water temperature can
be around 40 degrees. This low a temperature
can cause Hypothermia within minutes.
- Fatigue: Many boaters enjoy the event from
before Noon until after the fireworks display.
That much time on a boat can be tiring and lead
boaters to make serious mistakes.
- Drinking: Those unlawfully drinking alcohol
amplify the risks to themselves and other boaters.
Solutions and Tips
- Pre-trip you boat: Preventative maintenance
to your boat will help you avoid problems later.
Properly working navigation lights and safety/distress
equipment are a must.
- Wear Lifejackets: Just do it!
- Use appropriate anchors: Makeshift anchors
like five-gallon buckets and cinderblocks will
not hold on the river bottom.
- Observe safety rules at all times: No wake
zones and navigation rules of the road exist
to keep boaters safe; abide by them!
- Right size boat: Ensure your boat can handle
the large wakes put out by other boaters.
- Safe boating courses: The Coast Guard Auxiliary
and the Power Squadron have great courses for
the novice and experienced boaters alike. Call
CG Auxiliary at (502) 459-0287 or the Power
Squadron at (502) 241-6851 for more information.
Together we can make our waterways safer. And
remember:
The safest place for a boater to enjoy Thunder
Over Louisville is FROM THE BANK!
Find more valuable safety information at
U.
S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Louisville
Kentucky
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