You’ve got one more long weekend before summer wraps up, and a lot of it is probably happening on the water. Labor Day is one of the busiest boating weekends of the year, with packed ramps, full marinas and boaters of every skill level sharing the same water. A few smart moves can help you enjoy it.
Cooler weather is creeping in too, and that changes things a little. Days are shorter than they were back in July, so sunset sneaks up faster than you’d expect.
You’ll also see more less-experienced boaters out this weekend, since rental boats are especially popular on holiday weekends.
Why Wearing a Life Jacket Actually Matters
The Coast Guard’s latest report found that 87% of people who drowned in boating accidents weren’t wearing a life jacket. Alcohol was the leading known factor in fatal accidents too, tied to one in five deaths.
Neither number should scare you off the water. They’re proof that the boring stuff, wearing a life jacket and picking a sober skipper, actually keeps people alive.
Simple Moves Before You Leave the Dock
The Water Sports Foundation put together a full list of tips for the holiday. A few matter most before you untie from the dock:
- Share a float plan. Text a friend or marina staff your boat’s details, who’s onboard and when you’ll be back.
- Check the sunset time before you leave. Days run shorter than they did in July, so plan your return before dark.
- Walk your crew through the basics first. Cover the safety gear, assign a spotter for watersports and set ground rules for moving around.
- Attach the engine cutoff switch. Federal law requires it on open boats up to 26 feet, and it stops the engine if the operator falls or leaves the helm.
- Check the marine forecast before you go and again while you’re out, then head in early if it turns.
- Pack a VHF radio. Cell service can drop out on the water, and the Coast Guard monitors channel 16 around the clock.
Boating Into Cooler Weather? Dress for It
Staying out past Labor Day? The season isn’t over; it just gets colder.
This isn’t just a coastal thing, either. A few adjustments make the cooler months just as fun.
- Layer up smart. Start with something moisture-wicking, add fleece or wool for warmth, then a waterproof shell to block wind and spray.
- Wear your life jacket over your layers, not under them, and check the fit. A few states, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, require them during the winter months.
- Pack a dry bag. An extra towel and a full change of clothes make a real difference if you get wet.
However you spend it, Labor Day on the water can still be summer’s best send-off. Grab your life jacket, check the forecast again and let someone on land know your plan. The rest is just you, the water and a long weekend worth remembering.