LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Water levels on the Ohio River are up, and that means boaters are being reminded about safety on the Ohio River for Thunder Over Louisville.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected for Saturday's air show and fireworks, which serves as the official kickoff for the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Dead trees and other debris picked up while the water's high are floating downstream. The water levels should drop by Saturday, but the fast current is here to stay. That debris can easily hit boats and cause them to lose their mooring and drift.

Mike Arth with Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS said the current is expected to be moving about five miles per hour, which makes it harder to rescue people who go overboard.

"Remember, it's spring time, so even though the sun is shining, it's still very cold. If they get in the water, hypothermia is a real risk," Arth said.

Officials said last Thunder, crews helped roughly a dozen boaters who had medical emergencies from drinking too much or falling into the river.

In July 2015, nine people went overboard into the Ohio River, and five died, after their pontoon struck a barge during a fireworks show.

"That's why we're setting up safety barriers and have multiple agencies out there," said Arth.

Officials will be keeping boaters out of restricted zones, watching for impaired boaters and staying at the ready to help anyone in need.

USCG reminds boaters to not drink alcohol on the water. It said Kentucky law prohibits both drinking alcoholic beverages or being intoxicated on a boat. Kentucky's jurisdiction also extends the entire width of the Ohio River.

It also reminded boaters that federal law requires children under 13 to wear lifejackets, and to make sure there are lifejackets for all adults on-board

The Kentucky Derby Festival offered guidelines for safe boating at Thunder Over Louisville:

Thunder boating safety 4-28-2024-4.jpg

Emergency responders will patrol the Ohio River during Thunder Over Louisville to watch for any problems boaters may have. (WDRB Image) April 18, 2024

NO WAKE ZONE. A No Wake Zone is in effect from Ohio River Mile 602.3 (Portland Canal) through Mile 598.0 (Six Mile Island). This is also the area that is regulated and monitored by the Coast Guard and other public safety officials.

There is a PICKET LINE at the Big Four Bridge. No public or commercial traffic beyond this line during the show.

No Entry Zone – 12 p.m. The Coast Guard will establish a no entry zone from 606.0 to 602.0.

Be Aware of River Conditions!

  • Strong river currents: High water associated with melting snow and spring rains can significantly increase river current speeds.
  • Waves and congestion: An estimated 450 boaters may attend this event. After the fireworks conclude, boaters leaving the area may produce wakes and ignore navigation rules. Be patient and plan to take a little extra time to return home.
  • Debris: High water can produce heavy debris and drift. It is difficult, especially at night, for boaters to see and avoid these hazards to navigation.
  • Low water temperature: While the air temperature may be warm, the river water temperature can be around 40 degrees. This low a temperature can cause Hypothermia within minutes.
  • Fatigue: Many boaters enjoy the event from before Noon until after the fireworks display. That much time on a boat can be tiring and lead boaters to make serious mistakes.
  • Drinking: Those unlawfully drinking alcohol amplify the risks to themselves and other boaters.

Safety checks:

  • Pre-trip you boat: Preventative maintenance to your boat will help you avoid problems later. Properly working navigation lights and safety/distress equipment are a must.
  • Wear Lifejackets: Just do it!
  • Use appropriate anchors: Makeshift anchors like five-gallon buckets and cinderblocks will not hold on the river bottom.
  • Observe safety rules at all times: No wake zones and navigation rules of the road exist to keep boaters safe; abide by them! Right size boat: Ensure your boat can handle the large wakes put out by other boaters.

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