High rivers pose additional risks

CHICOPEE - With the number of boats out during a holiday weekend, being on the water is always a risk. But with the amount of rain we've been having, the danger is even greater.

"we want everyone to have a great time, but the conditions are a little more difficult out here than normal," says Michael Scibelli, a lieutenant with the Massachusetts Environmental Police. He says the risk goes up when the Connecticut River does and with all of the rain we've been having, the water is as hazardous as ever right now.

"People really need to exercise due diigence when they're out there on the water particularly tomorrow if they're out here to enjoy the fireworks."

Lt. Scibelli says when it rains this much, and the water gets this high one of the biggest problems is floating debris. he says if you hit a log like this at speed, it could not only damage the hull, damage your engine, but could also toss someone sitting on the bow overboard.

"We have those items in the water, large logs, pieces of debris, um and they can cause some damage to the boats, as well as could cause some hazardous conditions if it causes serious damage to the boat, it could possibly cause it to capsize."

The water rescue team at the Chicopee Fire Department knows all too well about capsized boats. The department had its first river rescue a week and a half ago. Acting Deputy Dean Desmarias suggests everyone on the boat wears a properly fitted life jacket and that the captain takes care to set the anchor correctly: from the bow, not the stern.

"A disabled boat, if not properly anchored, is moving along and could run into other boaters," he explains.

"I would estimate that the river is approaching 15 maybe mile an hour, so obviously a boat that lost it's ability to motor, would be adrift, or hitting into other boats or bridge abutments "

And keep in mind, boating under the influence is no different than driving drunk.

"It carries with it the same penalties as a motor vehicle, you lose the right to operate a motor vehicle in our state as well," Lt. Scibelli said.

His other piece of advice? With currents like this, don't get behind the wheel of a boat this weekend unless you have significant experience.