Holiday boaters can expect more patrols on Lake Pontchartrain this weekend

ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. (WGNO) — With large crowds expected on Louisiana’s waterways over the holiday weekend, local, state and federal agencies are ramping up enforcement to ensure boating safety.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office announced its Marine Division will have an increased presence on Lake Pontchartrain and surrounding waterways. Deputies will be checking boats for required safety equipment, proper registration and signs of impaired operation.

“If you’re out drinking alcohol and operating a boat, you will be placed under arrest and brought to jail,” Lt. Ryan Eberts with the St. Tammany Parish Marine Division said. “We encourage people to have fun during the weekend, but we also encourage people to follow the law so everybody can have a safe and enjoyable time.”

Alongside the sheriff’s office, agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Coast Guard will deploy extra crews to speed up emergency response times on the water.

Nationally, alcohol continues to be the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 92 deaths from alcohol-related boating incidents last year, accounting for roughly 20% of all boating fatalities.

“If you feel like you’ve had too much to drink, don’t get in the water thinking you can swim, that can quickly turn into a rescue mission,” Eberts warned.

Authorities are reminding boaters that wearing a life jacket remains one of the easiest and most effective safety measures. According to Coast Guard data, the majority of people who drown in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Officials also urge boaters to create a float plan, letting a friend or family member know where they’re going, when they’re leaving and when they expect to return.

“Always have a float plan will kind of let people know where you’re going, what time you leave and what time you coming back. We want you to have fun, make sure you have enough lifejackets to make sure your kids are wearing lifejackets,” Eberts said.

Sheriff’s deputies say one of the most common violations continues to be no wake zones, especially near boat launches and fuel docks. Large wakes in these areas can damage docked vessels, spill fuel and create serious safety risks for people in or near the water.

Boating enforcement is only part of the weekend’s public safety plan. Additional DUI patrols will also be active on local roadways through Sunday night.

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