NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – As Memorial Day weekend approaches and Wisconsin’s boating season ramps up, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging boaters to make safety a top priority before heading onto the water. During a recent joint media briefing with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin DNR Lieutenant John Sinclair said Memorial Day traditionally marks one of the busiest times of the year on lakes and rivers across the state.
Sinclair noted that Wisconsin consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for registered boats, making boating one of the state’s most popular outdoor activities during the warmer months. He said the start of the season is an important reminder for boaters to refresh themselves on safety practices and state regulations.
“Now is the time to practice those skills again, to check your safety equipment in the boat and to make sure everything’s up to snuff, review laws, et cetera,” Sinclair said.
One of the biggest focuses for the DNR heading into the holiday weekend is ensuring every boat has the required safety equipment on board and easily accessible. Sinclair stressed that every person on a boat must have a properly sized life jacket available.
“Life jackets, or what we call personal flotation devices, are required to have for every person on board your boat, and they have to be the appropriate size,” Sinclair said.
He also encouraged passengers to take an active role in safety by asking boat operators where emergency equipment is stored before leaving the dock. Sinclair said boaters should know the location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, and any additional safety gear on board.
The DNR is also reminding people that boating education and certification are required for many operators on Wisconsin waterways. Sinclair compared boating regulations to driving a motor vehicle, saying many boaters are required to complete a boating safety course before operating a boat legally.
“You’re going to have to have taken a boater safety course,” Sinclair said. “The DNR does offer those online as well as through in-person courses, and you can learn more online. But we do want to encourage people to go through those boater safety courses. You’re going to learn a lot.”
Sinclair added that boating courses help operators develop long-term skills and confidence, especially since many people only operate boats during the spring and summer months. He said operating a boat is much different than driving a vehicle on the road and requires its own set of safety considerations.
Another major concern heading into the holiday weekend is impaired boating. Sinclair reminded boaters that alcohol and drugs are prohibited while operating a boat and said impairment remains a contributing factor in a large number of boating incidents across Wisconsin each year.
The DNR is also encouraging people to remain respectful and aware of others enjoying Wisconsin waterways throughout the summer season. Sinclair said boaters should pay attention to the wakes they create and remember that lakes and rivers are shared spaces used by boaters, paddlers, swimmers, and shoreline visitors alike.
Officials are reminding everyone to slow down, stay alert, wear life jackets, and make responsible decisions to help ensure a safe Memorial Day weekend on Wisconsin waterways.
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