How to Stay Safe While Boating Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend is a staple of boating season. Stay safe on the water this holiday weekend by wearing a properly fitted life jacket and designating a completely sober boat operator.
Falling just a few weeks before the official end of summer, Labor Day weekend often serves as a "last hoorah" for many boaters. The three-day weekend is ideal for relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying The Great Outdoors!
Like any major holiday weekend that falls during summertime, Labor Day weekend is a time of high boater traffic on lakes and coastal waterways. As big fans of boating, we love to see people take to the water to enjoy time and make memories with friends and family members!
It's important to keep in mind, however, that times of high boater traffic usually correspond with an increase in boating accidents. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to stay safe on the water this Labor Day weekend (or any time you're on the water). Keep reading for our five best tips for safe Labor Day boating.
Updated August 31, 2026
5 Boating Tips for a Safe Labor Day Weekend
While we're focused on Labor Day weekend in this article, the five boating tips we'll talk through today apply to any day you spend operating your boat on the water!
Labor Day Boating Safety: 5 Tips |
| 1. Take a Boater Safety Course Before You Hit the Water |
| 2. Get to Know the Area You'll Be Boating |
| 3. Have a Plan in Case of a Breakdown |
| 4. Ensure That You're Insured |
| 5. Have Fun |
Tip 1: Take a Boater Safety Course Before You Hit the Water
Okay, we admit that we're biased on this one. Regardless of whether you complete our boater safety course or one from another source, it's important that you educate yourself before operating a boat.
Look for a course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). NASBLA is a national nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that develops public policy for recreational boating safety. It represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
A NASBLA-approved Boater Safety course will teach you everything you need to know to stay safe on the water, from the anatomy of a boat and your local state boating requirements to tips for navigating the water and what to do in an emergency.
After completing your boater safety course, you'll hit the water more confidently!
Tip 2: Get to Know the Area You'll Be Boating
Whether it's your first time boating in the area or you're a seasoned veteran, it's critical that you know your surroundings. The last thing you want to do is get lost or run your boat aground because you didn't plan ahead!
Thankfully, many boats come with factory depth finders and navigation systems. You can also purchase several aftermarket options and install them yourself to help keep you on the right track and out of trouble.
There are even apps to help you navigate the waters safely.
Use an App
One of our favorite boating navigation apps comes from our partners at Wavve Boating. The Wavve Boating features GPS navigation with intuitive maps of the U.S.'s most popular lakes and coastal waterways!
Wavve Boating provides:
- Detailed weather reports
- Tide tracking
- Shallow water markers
- Local hotspots
- Customizable maps
- Friends and family location tracking
- Route sharing
- An engaged community of boaters
The best part? Boat-Ed students who complete a course can get a Free one-year trial of Wavve Boating. Use it for Labor Day weekend and throughout the year!
Tip 3: Have a Plan in Case of a Breakdown
Should you run out of gas, break down, or get stranded on the water, the best thing you can do is have a game plan. Before you head out on the water, research boat towing and emergency services in the area and save their information in your phone.
One of our favorite boat rescue teams is SeaTow. SeaTow Gold members enjoy the following:
- Free towing with nationwide coverage
- Priority service
- 24/7 dispatch
- Fuel delivery
Even if SeaTow doesn't operate in the area you're boating in on Labor Day Weekend, they'll connect you to a provider who will provide service – all under your Sea Tow membership. That kind of peace of mind can add to your enjoyment on the water!
Tip 4: Ensure That You're Insured
Only Arkansas and Utah require boat insurance. However, it's common for banks and marinas to place insurance requirements on boats.
If you have a loan that uses the boat as collateral, the bank will almost certainly require boat insurance.
According to the Global Marine Insurance Agency, some lenders may even "force place" a marine insurance policy onto your boat if you don't have proof of insurance. Many marinas will also require you to maintain current boat insurance to keep the boat at their facility.
Even if you don't have state, bank, or marina requirements to insure your boat, we highly recommend it!
Seven benefits of boat insurance include:
- It protects your investment
- It reduces your liability, which could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the event of an accident
- If someone without boat insurance causes an accident with you, you're still covered
- Coverage is flexible (pay only for what you need)
- You can save by bundling with your other insurance policies
- Many plans come with emergency assistance and towing services
- With Total Loss Replacement coverage, you're protected if your boat sinks or suffers irreparable damage
As part of our dedication to helping our students take to the water safely and confidently, we recommend choosing a reputable insurance company like Progressive Insurance that can help you choose the right policies for your needs. Start by getting a quote!
Tip 5: Have fun!
When you're safe on the water, you'll have more fun. Apply the tips we've mentioned today, and we wish you and your family and friends a safe, fun Labor Day weekend!
Stay Safe with Boater Education for Friends and Family
When everyone you boat with understands how to stay safe on the boat, everyone has a safer and more enjoyable day on the water! Before Labor Day weekend, encourage your kids and anyone you plan to boat with to get safety certified through Boat-Ed – especially if any of your boating crew plans to operate the boat any time throughout the weekend.
Boat-Ed makes it easy to get your safety certification. Our state-approved courses are online, and you can also take your exam online after finishing the coursework using your phone or computer. Your certification never expires, so you and your crew will be ready to hit the water this Labor Day and whenever the weather is ideal for boating!
Content most recently reviewed and updated August 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are some safety tips for a Labor Day holiday?
A: Wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times, and make sure everyone on board has one that fits. Check the weather forecast before you leave the dock, since Labor Day weekend often brings sudden storms as summer transitions to fall. Avoid alcohol while operating the boat, and watch for the heavier boat traffic that comes with the holiday.
Q: What are the top 10 safety tips for boating?
A: Wear a life jacket, complete a boater safety course, check the weather before departure, and file a float plan with someone on shore. Avoid alcohol while operating the boat, keep a proper lookout, and follow navigation rules and speed limits. Carry a sound-producing device and visual distress signals, maintain your boat's fuel and mechanical systems, and know your local boating laws before you go.
Q: What is the number one unspoken rule on a boat?
A: The most widely recognized unspoken rule is that you are responsible for your boat's wake. Whatever damage or danger your wake causes to other boaters, docks, or shorelines falls on you as the operator, even if you didn't mean any harm. Slowing down near marinas, docks, swimmers, and smaller vessels shows respect for others sharing the water.
Q: What is the 1/3 rule in boating?
A: The 1/3 rule is a fuel management guideline that divides your tank into three equal portions before you leave the dock. One third gets you to your destination, one third gets you back, and the final third stays untouched as an emergency reserve. It helps protect against running out of fuel due to wind, current, or unexpected detours.
Q: Is Labor Day a good time to go boating?
A: Yes, Labor Day weekend is a popular and enjoyable time to boat, since it often marks the last big weekend of summer before cooler weather sets in. Water temperatures are typically still warm, and many areas see favorable conditions for a final outing. The main tradeoff is higher boat traffic, so extra caution and awareness of other vessels are worth planning for.
