Arkansas issues nighttime boating and fishing safety tips

As high summer temperatures continue in Arkansas, boaters and anglers are increasingly heading onto reservoirs after dark to avoid the heat. To mitigate the risks of reduced visibility and hidden hazards, safety officials recommend several precautions.

Preparation should begin on land by organizing gear and securing loose items to prevent accidents in the dark. For navigation, vessels on federally controlled waters must display U.S. Coast Guard-approved red, green, and white anchor lights after sundown. Officials advise against using decorative LED strips or bright floodlights, as these can mask standard navigation lights and confuse other operators.

Safety measures also include wearing life jackets; in Arkansas, children aged 12 and under are required to wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket at all times. To avoid submerged objects like logs or rocks, boaters are encouraged to navigate slowly, stay within well-known channels, and use trolling motors when approaching the shore.