Labor Day Boating Safety in New Jersey: Finish Summer Safely

Labor Day Weekend is one of the last big opportunities of the summer to enjoy New Jersey’s lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal waters. Whether you are heading out for a day of fishing, cruising, watersports, or simply spending time with family and friends, a little preparation can make the difference between a great day on the water and an emergency.

As the boating season winds down, New Jersey boaters should make safety a priority and remember that crowded waterways, changing weather, nighttime boating, and alcohol can all increase the risks.

Start With a Safety Check

Before leaving the dock, take a few minutes to inspect your boat and make sure your required safety equipment is aboard, accessible, and in good working condition.

The New Jersey State Police recommends checking items such as registration, navigation lights, personal flotation devices, sound-signaling equipment, visual distress signals where required, fire extinguishers, and other equipment appropriate for your vessel.

Don't wait until you are on the water to discover that a life jacket is the wrong size, a fire extinguisher is expired, or a navigation light isn't working.

Wear Your Life Jacket

A life jacket only works if you are wearing it.

Make sure every person aboard has a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD). New Jersey State Police specifically recommends that everyone try on their PFD before getting underway. Children 12 and under must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD while the vessel is underway.

For Labor Day Weekend, consider making life jackets part of your boating routine rather than something that is simply stored in a compartment.

Keep the Operator Sober

One of the most important safety decisions of the day happens before the boat leaves the dock: deciding who will operate the vessel.

New Jersey State Police advises boaters to abstain from alcohol while boating. Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, balance, and reaction time—abilities that are especially important when operating a boat in crowded waterways or changing conditions.

If your group plans to drink, designate a sober operator before heading out.

Slow Down and Watch Your Wake

Labor Day Weekend can mean busy waterways with boats, personal watercraft, swimmers, paddlecraft, and people near docks and shorelines.

Operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout. New Jersey regulations require vessel speed to be controlled so that it does not create danger or injury to people or property, including through the effect of the vessel's wake. New Jersey also has specific slow-speed/no-wake requirements in areas such as near marinas, docks, and certain confined waterways.

A few extra minutes of travel time is a small price to pay for a safer day.

Check the Weather Before You Go

Summer weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before leaving and continue monitoring conditions while you are on the water.

Pay attention to thunderstorms, strong winds, reduced visibility, and changing wave or water conditions. If conditions become unsafe, don't be afraid to turn around and head back to the dock.

New Jersey State Police includes checking the weather among its basic boating safety recommendations.

Be Prepared for Nighttime Boating

Labor Day Weekend often means staying out later to enjoy the sunset or fireworks. If you will be operating after dark, make sure your navigation lights are working and understand the rules for nighttime navigation.

New Jersey State Police requires navigation lights to be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

Slow down, keep a proper lookout, and give yourself extra time to identify other vessels, markers, hazards, and changing conditions.

Don't Forget Your Boating Safety Certificate

If you are operating a power vessel or personal watercraft in New Jersey, make sure you have the required boating safety credentials.

The New Jersey State Police explains that operators may need a New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate or another qualifying credential, depending on their circumstances. Visitors may also operate with certain qualifying credentials from their home state or other approved documentation.

If you have completed an approved online boating safety course, remember that New Jersey requires an in-person, proctored exam after completion of the online portion.  Join us at these exam sessions to take your exam; register at www.boatsafeus.com/schedule-exam

Thursday, August 27^th     Keyport & Perth Amboy

Saturday, August 29^th     Turnersville /Washington Twp

Wednesday, September 2^nd     Hillsborough & Lawrence Twp

Thursday, September 3^rd     Ocean City & Toms River

Saturday, September 5^th     Atlantic Highlands

Have a Float Plan

Before heading out, let someone who is staying ashore know where you are going, who is aboard, what boat you are using, and approximately when you expect to return.

A float plan can provide valuable information to family or friends—and potentially to rescuers—if something goes wrong.

Make Safety Part of Your Labor Day Tradition

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the end of summer, but it should not be the end of good boating habits.

Before you leave the dock:

• Check the weather.

• Inspect your boat and safety equipment.

• Make sure everyone has the proper life jacket.

• Make sure children have properly fitted PFDs.

• Keep the operator sober.

• Slow down around docks, marinas, and crowded areas.

• Watch your wake.

• Keep a proper lookout.

• Make sure navigation lights work if you will be boating after dark.

• Carry required safety equipment.

• Have your required boating safety certificate or other qualifying credential.

• Tell someone your plans before heading out.

Enjoy Labor Day Weekend—but make getting everyone home safely the most important part of the trip.

For New Jersey boaters, the best summer memories are the ones that end with everyone safely back at the dock.

Boat Safe. Stay Safe. Enjoy New Jersey's Waterways!