Families celebrate the unofficial end of summer on Millerton Lake

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Hundreds crowded Millerton Lake to celebrate Labor Day Monday.

That summer crowd will soon wind down, though.

“This is the last time we’ll go out on our boat because we have school, and Saturdays are going to be filled with soccer,” Millerton-regular Eleanor McKell said.

Eleanor’s father, Aaron McKell, says Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for their family, which means putting away the boat until next year.

“Any time you can get up early and have a great ride, nothing better,” Aaron said.

“We went on the lake every weekend in June and most of the weekends in July,” Eleanor added.

Aaron McKell says spending time on the lake is his opportunity to pass down one of his favorite childhood memories.

“I grew up doing this, grew up waterskiing and learned how to lake board and be behind the boat, and it’s very special to share it with the whole family,” Aaron said.

They exited the dock with many other families Monday, enjoying the high UV.

“The holiday weekend is just all the Fresno locals looking to come out and cool off. It’s hot here and we’ve got the lake. People want to swim, they want to enjoy themselves,” State Park Peace Officer Ian Farrell said.

Millerton Lake is one of the most popular Labor Day destinations in Fresno County, which means extra labor for Farrell and the other patrol officers.

Not because of Eleanor, though; she knows the rules like the back of her hand.

“Everyone under 14 has to wear a life jacket on the boat, and everyone has to wear one when they’re behind the boat, and the flag always has to be up when someone’s down or when they’re out of the boat,” Eleanor said.

“Just always make sure you swim safe, swim near a lifeguard and wear a life jacket,” Farrell cautioned.

He also reminds visitors that they must have a boating license to drive the boat, which means children should never get behind the wheel.