As Nashville prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, here’s a few tips if you plan on boating along the riverfront.
Bill Weeks, Operations Officer with the U.S. Coast Guard, said you need to be prepared if you’re headed to the Cumberland River to watch the fireworks.
First, all boaters must have life jackets for everyone on board. You also have to have working navigation lights, a working anchor light, an anchor and a line, and enough fuel to get downtown and back to your original destination.
He also recommended having 1/3 more fuel in reserve.
You should also have the following items:
- VHF Marine radio
- Ample food and drink (There is no access to shore, no mooring downtown.)
- Extra bulbs for navigation and anchor lights
Weeks also said to give some thought about restrooms, emphasizing there is no access to facilities on the river.
There is nowhere to pick up or drop off passengers along the west bank dock. Also don’t forget if you drink, do not drive.
