Authorities urge caution as Labor Day holiday boaters take to the water

PRAIRIEVILLE, La. (Louisiana First) – Labor Day is one of the busiest days of the year for boaters, and authorities are urging caution as people take to the water.

Folks enjoying Labor Day boating and fishing trips were out in full force at Fred’s on the River in Prairieville. Walker resident Tabitha Jones says she loves to fish near this spot and is here with her mother, enjoying the great weather this holiday.

“All the kids and things like that had their life jackets on, and everybody was friendly, and with the boat traffic courtesy and stuff, everybody was doing really well.  It is so peaceful here.  You have people going up and down the channel, on jet skis, and different kinds of boats, and everybody’s so sweet and they wave, and everybody’s playing music, it’s just so peaceful out here,” Jones said.

The National Safe Boating Council aims to keep it that way with its Safe Boating Campaign. They’re encouraging everyone to boat responsibly by wearing life jackets at all times while boating, using an engine cut-off switch, and never boating under the influence.

Statistics from the Coast Guard show that almost 90% of drowning victims in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a life jacket.

Authorities say Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July Fourth are the busiest and most dangerous holidays for boating, with more crowded waterways. They also urge you to check your equipment before your trip to make sure everything is in working condition.

State law says everyone on a boat under the age of 16 is required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a boat under 26 feet in length, and everyone must have it readily accessible on board.

Latest News