NC Wildlife shares boating safety tips ahead of Labor Day Weekend

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Boaters expected to flock to the water this Labor Day weekend for the unofficial end of summer.  

Ahead of that boating rush, NC Wildlife Resources Commission Master Officer Bradley Jordan said there are a few things you should check before you launch your vessel.

“Anyone under the age of 13, make sure that they’re wearing a US Coast Guard approved life jacket while under way, as well as a fire extinguisher, type 4 throw cushion, and a sound producing device in case of an emergency,” Jordan said.

Jordan added when shopping for lifejackets, you should look for ones that have the US Coast Guard stamp on them. But the biggest thing he wants boaters to remember is never operate a boat if you’re impaired.

“Having a safe and responsible boater, a sober operator is very important,” Jordan said.” Again, we want you to have fun on the weekend, but we also want you to be safe and sober.”

Although this weekend is expected to be much busier on the water than last year, many of the boaters we spoke with on Tuesday said they plan to avoid the weekend crowds.  

“I usually don’t go on Labor Day. It’s much too crowded, and besides that, it’s opening of flounder season, so it’s going to be twice as crowded and I intend to fish next weekend,” Jim York said. 

“We try to fish and do our boating typically during the week to try to avoid the holiday and weekend crowds,” Gary Glossop added. 

“Because of the traffic and the activity, we try to do it during the week mainly and avoid weekends,” Ken Hawley noted.