Labor Day crowds fill Cape Fear waterways as officials stress boating safety
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — It may be the last day of summer, but that did not stop boaters from crowding the waterways across the Cape Fear on Labor Day.
The Trask Bridge area looked like a traffic jam of boats over the holiday weekend, while the Wrightsville Beach boat ramp was busy on Monday as people took one last chance to enjoy the water before summer winds down.
Senior Officer Quantra Taylor with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said safety remains a priority, even at the end of the holiday weekend.
“Make sure you have life jackets for everybody on board, make sure any child under 13 is wearing a life jacket as well, make sure you have your type 4 throw able cushion and your fire extinguisher, and please make sure your boat registration is in date.”
Taylor also emphasized the importance of situational safety, particularly when waterways are crowded.
“These waters can get really, really congested, so biggest thing is being aware of what’s going on around you; be looking out, cautious of everybody, and not just of boaters, but we got people on jet skis, we got kayaks, we got people on paddle boards, so everything kind of comes into effect when you’re out here.”
The reminders are important, as many boaters continue to take advantage of the waterways well into the fall.
