LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES, KY/TN – June 15, 2017 –
U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers provide their annual list of summer
safe habits for outdoor recreation.
“We want everyone to have fun while they’re here,” explains Forest Service Law
Enforcement Patrol Captain Duane Cameron. “Practicing safe habits makes all the
difference.” Cameron asks visitors to keep safety in mind while enjoying Land
Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and neighboring communities.
Forest Service, State and local Law Enforcement Officers patrol Land Between the
Lakes. In case of emergency, dial 911 or 877-861-2457<tel:%20877-861-2457> for
24-hour dispatch. Please immediately report any criminal or suspicious activity.
Boating Safety
* Avoid alcohol prior to operating a watercraft.
* Be courteous at all times, especially near boat ramps.
* Be aware of your surroundings. The U.S. Coast Guard says driver
inattention is the number one cause of boating accidents and deaths.
* Ventilate inboard motors before starting the engine.
* Engage the tow vehicle’s emergency brake when pulling a boat out of or
lowering a boat into the water.
* Be responsible for the safety of all riders; ensure availability of life
jackets for all, and keep within legal weight limits.
Driving Safety
* Avoid drinking and driving.
* Refrain from texting and operating a motor vehicle.
* Be courteous. Share the road with bicycle and motorcycle riders.
* Watch out for wildlife, especially deer foraging along the highways.
* Watch for hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers crossing roadways.
* Stay on designated roads as identified in the Land Between the Lakes Motor
Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).
www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/maps/<http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/maps/>.
* Use a map for numbered backcountry roads.
* Be aware of surroundings. Heavy rains may wash out sections of creek
crossings or roadways.
* Only off-road on designated trails within Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle
Area.
Trail Safety
* Carry sufficient water to keep hydrated. Do not rely on springs.
* Plan ahead and inform a responsible person of your route.
* Bring a map and a compass, or a global positioning system (GPS) unit. Cell
phone coverage lapses often on the National Recreation Area. The Forest Service
provides maps for free at
www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/maps/<http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/maps/>.
* Use tick, chigger and mosquito repellant.
Camping Safety
* Look to see if any tree limbs could fall in strong winds prior to setting
a campsite.
* Be aware of elevated fire danger associated with hot, dry weather.
* Be courteous to other campers. Honor quiet hours from 11pm to 6am.
* Be cautious around campfires. Remove any debris near the fire ring. Ensure
campfire ashes have cooled before leaving them unattended. Keep a bucket of water
and a shovel nearby. Remember, only you can prevent wildfires.
https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety.
Use of fireworks on the National Recreation Area is prohibited. Neighboring state
parks and private resorts provide fireworks displays, some visible from Land Between
the Lakes.
For more safety tips visit www.fs.fed.us/safety/<http://www.fs.fed.us/safety/>. The
U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division provides information at
www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/index.php?m=rb<http://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/index.php?m=rb>.
For a tick safety fact sheet visit
https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/TickFactSheet_WEB.pdf.
For general campground and trail maps, see
https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/visit/maps/.
To find more information about Land Between the Lakes, log on to the official
website at www.landbetweenthelakes.us<http://www.landbetweenthelakes.us> or call
1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. Photos available on Flickr at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lblkytn/albums.