A Louisiana lawmaker says he's looking for ways to provide smoother sailing for the volunteer rescue boaters known collectively as the "Cajun Navy."
But ideas floated by state Sen. Jonathan Perry have met with skepticism and even anger.
Volunteers who rescued people stranded in Louisiana flooding last week sometimes complained they were turned away by authorities in some areas.
In a recent radio interview, Perry, a Republican from Kaplan, suggested legislation that would let boaters sign a waiver agreeing not to sue government agencies if they get lost or hurt. He said the legislation could also call for a rescue certification course for volunteers.
Perry says in a new Facebook video he's received complaints, and even threats, from people who have misconstrued his proposal. He did not respond to an interview request from The Associated Press.