MONONGALIA COUNTY -Boating is a summertime activity that many West Virginians, like Robert Stout, love.

“It gives you the freedom out there," said Stout, who works as a dock attendant at Sunset Marina on Cheat Lake. "Just being out in the water and the sun is a great thing. I think it's something everyone should try and almost everyone would enjoy.”

When it comes to high-traffic weekends, such as Memorial Day weekend, officers from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are on the lookout for unsafe conditions caused by a high concentration of boaters. 

“Memorial Day weekend is always, traditionally, one of the busiest weekends that we have, and it's a bunch of novice boaters to begin with, so we concentrate more on the congested areas,” said Carlton Wade, DNR law enforcement officer. 

Wade reminds boaters that simple precautions can prevent accidents on the water. Even the most experienced boaters should wear life jackets, and ensure their passengers do the same. 

Wade offered some other pointers.

“Don't overload the boats – that's always a big problem," said Wade. "Some of the channels in this lake narrow down and it's real difficult to pass at speed, so my suggestion would be to reduce speed if you're not sure. Stay out of the congested areas and try to be courteous to everybody else.”

Sunset Marina owner Barry Frey says he's seen a decrease in accidents on Cheat Lake in recent years, even around holidays. Wade has made the same observation, and says he's also noticed that more boaters are acting responsibly when it comes to alcohol.

“Most of the boat operators out here have been doing this for a long time, and they'll designate someone else to operate the boat," said Wade. "There is drinking going on out here – obviously, it's summertime, and that's what they do – but we see very few incidents of drinking and boating.”

More responsible boaters makes for safer boating conditions, and Wade says that's exactly why fewer accidents are occurring on Cheat Lake. He urges boaters to be on the lookout for one another throughout the summer and to report unsafe activity to the DNR. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Video clips from WBOY -----

http://www.wboy.com/Clip/11532607/boating-safety-on-memorial-day