Labor Day boaters urged to prioritize safety amid high gas prices

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) — Labor Day, which unofficially marks the final day of summer, will attract boaters out on the water to soak up the last bit of the long weekend.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued safety reminders for those heading out on the water for the holiday.

DNR urges boaters to ride responsibly

The DNR emphasized the importance of riding responsibly. The agency’s first reminder is to wear a life jacket. The DNR reports 15 people died in boating accidents last year, and at least 13 of those drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. The life jacket law also applies to paddleboards.

The DNR says to never mix alcohol or drugs with operating a boat.

Overloading a boat with gear or passengers will make the boat unstable and increase the risk of capsizing or swamping.

The DNR also advises boaters to always check the weather before leaving. Officials stressed filing a float plan and always telling someone where you are going.

The DNR says the goal is to make sure everyone returns home safely.

People celebrated the holiday across the state, locking in the final moments of summer. With heavy traffic on the water, the DNR urged extra caution.

Weather cooperates for holiday boaters

Rick Paulick, Green Bay Metro Marina manager, said the weather cooperated for the holiday weekend.

“It’s actually a nice Labor Day weekend,” Paulick said Sunday. “A little bit windy [Saturday], but today, there’s probably not a more perfect boarding day. The bay is flat, calm, the wind’s low, the sun’s out, and tomorrow’s supposed to be the same way. So, it’s pretty exciting that we actually have a good weekend that people can travel, get to the island, anchor out, and enjoy their boats.”

Jason Isaac, a Green Bay boater, said he was enjoying the weekend on the water.

“You know, come out, enjoy the boats,” Isaac said. “The weekend’s been great. Yeah, Labor Day weekend here at South Bay is fantastic, right? Hopefully the weather’s really good. I’m planning to go out to the sandbar and enjoy some time with the friends and a couple drinks on the water. You can’t beat it.”

Fuel sales hold steady despite high gas prices

Despite high gas prices, Paulick said fuel sales are holding steady, and some boaters are even upgrading to bigger boats, a sign the boating outlook is still strong.

Isaac said shorter trips can be easier on the wallet.

“We do a lot of day trips, 17 to 20 miles back and forth,” Isaac said. “We do go up to Door County a couple times so that gets a little bit more expensive, but fuel here isn’t that bad comparatively to other places.”

Paulick also said boaters can save a few dollars by watching their speed, since the slower a boat goes, the less fuel it uses.