SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - Wear life jackets, let someone know what your boating plans are and don't drink and boat.
Those are among the boating safety tips issued by the Maine Marine Patrol, Maine Warden Service and U.S. Coast Guard Tuesday, as the state heads into the Memorial Day weekend.
On a holiday that's typically busy for boating, officials are urging people to pay extra attention to boating safety and, in particular, to always wear life jackets.
Department of Marine Resources spokesperson Jeff Nichols says state law requires that all children 10 years old and younger wear life jackets while on the water, "whereas adults don't have to wear them, but they must be available on board for every occupant. So that certainly is an important safety precaution."
Nichols says the Marine Patrol's focus will be boating under the influence.
