The Marine Department issued safety guidelines to keep people safe around the water on Loy Krathong.
With people amassing at the beach and around lakes and rivers for the romantic water festival Nov. 22, officials told business operators and event organizers to ensure that all safety standards are followed.
Inspections of piers and pontoons must be inspected by Nov. 9. Inspectors will check that all have signs that can be clearly seen, at least four life buoys and minimum 25-meter ropes adhered with the life buoys. These must be stored in the position that can be immediately reached.
Installation of proper lights is required on piers and pontoons and on walkways leading to and from them. Walkway barriers are required and officers must be on duty to regulate the number of people on the pier or pontoon.
Boat owners and operators must inspect boats and must have officers on duty in charge of safety and facilitation of passengers.
All life jackets, buoys and fire extinguishers must be available and in working order. Passenger boats must have signs indicating the maximum number of passengers.
All boats must have lights that meet marine regulations and wait until the navigation channel is available. Boat drivers must slow down while passing other vessels and monitor passengers to keep them away from danger.
Alcohol and drug use by crewmembers is forbidden and staffers must check passengers for weapons before boarding. Alcohol use by passengers is allowed, but must be controlled.
