NC Wildlife provides boating safety tips ahead of Labor Day weekend

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — This Labor Day weekend, boaters are expected to flock to the water to mark the unofficial end of summer.

Ahead of this boat rush, Master Officer Bradley Jordan of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission said there are a few things you should check before launching your boat.

“All persons under the age of 13 must ensure they wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway, as well as a fire extinguisher, Type 4 throw pillow and an emergency sound-producing device,” Jordan said.

Jordan added that when purchasing life jackets, people should look for ones that have the U.S. Coast Guard stamp on them, but the most important thing boaters should remember is that they should never operate a boat while impaired.

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

Although there will likely be a lot more activity on the water this weekend than last year, many of the boaters we spoke to Tuesday said they want to avoid the weekend crowds.

“I don’t usually go on Labor Day. It’s way too crowded, and besides, flounder season is just starting, so it will be twice as busy, and I plan on fishing next weekend,” said Jim York.

“We try to fish and boat during the week to avoid the crowds on holidays and weekends,” added Gary Glossop.

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