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Boating safety essential this July 4th

Capt. Lee Padgett is the owner of the Eufaula branch of Sea Tow, located on Thomas Mill Creek.

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Published: July 02, 2009

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There are some things that don't mix - like alcohol and water.

“One of our mottos here is booze and boats don't mix,” says Capt. Lee Padgett.

Padgett is the owner of the Eufaula branch of Sea Tow, located on Thomas Mill Creek. Padgett had several more tips for boaters hitting the lake this July 4th weekend, which along with Memorial Day and Labor Day, is Sea Tow's busiest time of year.

His advice for boaters celebrating their independence on Lake Eufaula includes:

Respect the weather
“The lake can get really rough, really fast … (and) we get a lot of sunk boats due to weather,” Padgett explains. “If the water starts to look rough, and you're on an island, stay on the island.”
Padgett goes on to say that waves on Lake Eufaula can reach eight feet.
“It's just like the gulf minus the salt water.”

Lifejackets save lives
“Wear your PFD (Personal Flotation Device),” he says. “Lifejackets save lives … that's been proven. It doesn't take but a minute to put one on and it could save your life.”

See more boating safety tips in the weekend edition of The Tribune avaliable Friday, July 3.