The Coast Guard urges boaters going out on the Lower Mississippi River to understand the risks associated with high water and strong currents, Friday.
Higher than average water levels create very strong and swift currents, which result in large amounts of debris, and can lead to dangerous situations on the Mississippi River, according to a release
Officials say that the stronger than normal currents can create rips and eddies in places where they might not have been before, which can pull a boat or a person into a dangerous situation very quickly. Crews received a report at 8:51 a.m. of two boaters aboard a disabled recreational vessel, which was being pushed downriver by strong currents on the Lower Mississippi River.
The two people were rescued from their vessel.
Some simple safety measures boaters can take are to always wear a lifejacket when operating on or around the river, double-check required equipment such as visual and audio distress signals, personal flotation devices and a fire extinguisher are present and in working condition and never boat under the influence of alcohol.
