24-05-2025
Orange Beach Marine Police on patrol Memorial Day weekend
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG) — For many, the perfect memorial day weekend all starts with a boat ride, but you don't want it to end with a ticket.
Some Foley offices closing, service schedules changing for Memorial Day holiday
'A lot of times we found this to be a bigger weekend and 4th of July weekend,' Officer Caleb Winfield with the Orange Beach Police Department's Marine Division said.
Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff to summer here in Orange Beach and police said they're gearing up for the crowds.
'Everybody's looking for a good time and everybody's looking to get some of that sunshine and so we expect to be full throttle this weekend,' Officer Winfield said.
It may look calm out on the water now, but that won't last long.
'Expect a lot of heavy traffic this weekend and a lot of people to be out as long as the weather's nice, which that's what the forecast is calling for,' Officer Winfield said.
Police said one of the biggest issues they see on busy holiday weekends all starts with the person behind the wheel.
'Being unfamiliar with the area and the waterways coupled with all the restrictions, with the no wake boundaries and the no motor zones are really big problem,' Officer Winfield added.
Officers also see many alcohol-related issues like boating under the influence and public intoxication.
'You know, the longer you're out here, the more you're under the sun and baking, the higher the effects can be on you,' Officer Winfield said. 'If you're out here and you're consuming alcoholic beverages, the importance of hydrating throughout the day with water and trying to keep that balance.'
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Their message to boaters is simple, follow the rules, have fun and enjoy a safe Memorial Day weekend.
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