Memorial Day boating safety tips

MOBILE, Ala. - A Monday in mid-May makes for a slow day Grand Mariner on Dog River. Come Memorial Day it will be a much different scene, weather permitting of course. "Very busy here on Memorial Day everybody taking families out having a good time," shared Barbara Pocase, owner of the Grand Mariner.

But there are some things you should know to keep your holiday plans afloat. The Alabama Marine Patrol said there should be enough life jackets for everyone on board, and your boat should have an ignition safety switch or kill switch. So, if the driver is thrown overboard while operating the boat the engine will shut down.

Pocase said there's something else you need to keep in mind. "Have a designated driver to go along with you, boating and drinking don't mix," said Pocase. "Same as rules of the road."

Get caught boating and drinking and you could be in for a rough time. The first time you're caught you could face a $2,100 fine and possibly a year in jail. The second time the fine jumps to $5,100 hundred and/or a year in jail. Get caught a third time and the fine is more than $10,000 and/or a year in jail.

Boating under the Influence includes sailboats, water skis and personal watercraft.