Be Safe on Water This Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day for many marks the unofficial, traditional end of summer and that can mean one last trip to the lake to enjoy the water.

With that in mind, the National Safe Boating Council has a number of safety tips it wants people headed out on the water to remember.

According to National Safe Boating Council Executive Director Rachel Johnson, the number one thing people should remember if they are going boating this weekend is to remember to wear a lifejacket.

“Last year, 85 percent of those that drowned on the water were not wearing a lifejacket,” said Johnson. “These days, there are so many comfortable, lightweight options, such as inflatable lifejackets and just comfortable, inherently buoyant, foam-filled ones, there is really no excuse anymore and it is the simplest, easiest thing you can do to be safe out on the water.”

Johnson said that the other main tip to remember on the water is to not drink alcohol and operate the boat at the same time.

She said that last year, alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

In addition to that, Johnson said that there are some other things about alcohol and boating that people need to be aware of.

“First of all, if you get caught boating under the influence by law enforcement on the water, you can get arrested,” said Johnson. “It has very similar consequences to driving and a lot of people do not realize also that environmental factors such as the sun, the wind, the vibration of the boat can actually impact the effects of alcohol even more, making that one or two drinks even more dangerous out on the water.”

Johnson said if there is going to be alcohol, make sure that there is a designated driver for the boat to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Meanwhile, she went on to say a third tip for those boating is to file a “float plan” documenting your planned trip if you are traveling any length of distance on the water.

“You leave it back on dry land, where you are headed, when you expect to be back, what waterway you will be going on, and worst-case scenario, if you do not get back that evening, that float plan is going to help narrow down the area for search and rescue to be able to get you,” said Johnson.

Johnson said other tips include knowing basic navigation rules and not boating too fast.

She said the National Safe Boating Council wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend out on the water.