Labor Day weekend is one of Oregon’s busiest times on the water, and the Oregon State Marine Board is reminding boaters and paddlers to put safety first.
Officials stress the importance of wearing life jackets, especially since most boating fatalities this year involved paddlers without them. Youth under 13 must wear a properly fitted life jacket whenever a boat is underway.
Boaters are also urged to know their waterways, follow boating regulations, and avoid unsafe practices like riding on decks or swim platforms. Alcohol should be left on shore—violators of boating under the influence laws face steep fines, loss of boating privileges, and even jail time.
The Marine Board also reminds boaters to slow down near docks and marinas, keep an eye out for other water users, and always be courteous when sharing crowded waterways.
For more information on boating rules, safety tips, and destination ideas, visit the Oregon State Marine Board’s website.
