DANVILLE, Ky. — It’s an absolutely beautiful weekend to grab the family and head to the lake. Many families will do that as Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer.
Nestled just 40 miles south of Lexington is Gwinn Island in Danville. It’s full of beautiful views and cool water, but it can be pretty dangerous if lake goers aren’t taking the proper safety steps. Grant Hartley and his family are taking the proper safety tips this weekend to ensure the most amount of fun. Hartley kicked off his day at the lake with fishing and will finish it up with boating.
“We have to put the [worm] on one end of the hook, through it. Sometimes you catch big ones [fish] and sometimes you catch little ones [fish].” said Hartley.
Eight-year-old Hartley has been fishing with his grandpa since he was three years old. He likes to get real close to the edge of the lake, which requires a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. The edge of the lake can be a dangerous place for younger children like Hartley. There’s tree debris, sometimes it’s slippery and when the wind picks up, there are more chances of falling in and getting dragged under by currents. Hartley says he’s experienced a fall on the edge of the lake but is glad to wear a life jacket.
“I was over on the rocks and then I got frustrated that my pole wasn’t working and stuff. I started stomping on the edge around the water and I slipped,” said Hartley.
Hartley’s family is carrying out a 40-year tradition of fishing and boating by hitting up Gwinn Island for the weekend. The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife has all hands on deck this weekend. They recommend taking safety seriously, even with dogs.
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Water, Boat Safety Tips:
Check that boat has properly working features (Ex:
Everyone wears a life jacket near or on boats (Ex: properly fit, approved by U.S. Coastguard)
Check drain plugs on boat to avoid sinking
No drinking and boating
Pat Nanna and her husband Keith, are supervising Hartley and the rest of the family. The Louisville native says safety is the key when heading to Kentucky lakes, rivers.
“Everyone has a life jacket. You don’t get in the water unless you have a life jacket, even adults. In this lake [Gwinn Island] it’s very deep. There’s parts that’s not deep but it’s very deep. If they [children] slide off the boat or the dock, you’ll never lay your hands on them,” said Nanna.
Since Hartley has vast experience of fishing, he coaches his friends and family members on how it’s done.
“Pull up, pull up!” said Hartley.
Hartley continues with, “Nope, right here. It’s a really big one [fish],” said Hartley.
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife says there will be an increased presence of conservation officers on lakes this weekend. They also recommend people read their fishing and boating guide before hitting up the lake.