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David Ferguson of Cornelius Lake Patrol urges boaters to plan ahead and wear life jackets
Summary
David Ferguson of the Cornelius Police Department’s Lake Patrol Division led a public outreach briefing stressing life-jacket use, fuel and equipment checks, and storm planning, while parks staff described a partnership to promote boater safety.
David Ferguson, of the Cornelius Police Department Lake Patrol Division, opened a lakeside safety briefing by saying the goal is education rather than enforcement and introducing his unit’s role in local water safety. “Our goal is to educate,” he said, adding that the presentation was meant to remind visitors of the rules of the water so they can “have fun out here.”
Ferguson listed basic precautions boaters should take before leaving the dock: perform vessel safety inspections, carry a fire extinguisher, check fuel levels and know water depth. He emphasized life jackets, stating plainly, “Life jackets are critical,” and said a majority of drownings “could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket.” Parks staff at the event noted they coordinate closely with the police and park rangers to encourage safe, enjoyable visits to the lake. The presentation included a demonstration of department equipment and outreach efforts aimed at raising public awareness.
