‘The biggest thing is don’t drink and drive,’ today is Boater Skip Day, officials say safety is key

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla — While it’s a time for fun in the sun, and on the water, officials say you need to keep safety at the top of your mind.

“It’s a good time, I love to be on the boat and be with friends and family,” Weimer said.

Andrew Weimer and his party of 12, including newlywed wife Tori Weimer are just some of the many people who parked at Julington Creek Marina this morning to get a head of the crowd. Today thousands of boaters, fisherman and water lovers are expected to be cruising on the St. Johns River for Boater Skip day.

“Food, snacks, drinks, just everything fun, footballs, you name we’ve probably got it,” Weimer said.

Read: Body identified that was pulled to shore at Jacksonville Beach by paddleboarder

Boater Skip day is essentially an unofficial holiday where people skip class and work to get out on the St. Johns river and have a good time. While we want you to have fun, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office says safety needs to be #1 on everyone’s mind.

A few safety measures from the Sheriff’s Office include wearing a life jacket and watching the weather. You can check in with our first alert meteorologists and download the Action News Jax weather app.

Read: Boater Skip Day: What to know before you go

Florida Fish and Wildlife Captain Michael Haney says to keep everyone safe, FWC and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up at Shands Pier Boat Ramp which is blocked off to the public for today.

“We end up having people partying and drinking and end up having medical issues, boating accidents, people that get injured, fights,” said Captain Haney.

Here up to 100 officials have easy access to the water, as well as room for their mobile command center and any other first responder agencies deemed necessary.

Read: Jacksonville Jazz Festival set to move to a different location in 2024

“The biggest thing is don’t drink and drive, alcohol, BUI, is the leading contributing cause of injury and fatality boating accidents,” said Captain Haney.

If you have any more questions about Boater Skip day regarding rules and safety visit the following link.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.