This Labor Day many families are enjoying their time off.
Instead of traveling far away, people are opting to head out on the water as an alternative.
Action News Jax reporter Alicia Tarancon takes a closer look at the big boom in the boating industry because of COVID-19.
Shana Rector and her family got a membership at the Freedom Boat Club as soon as the pandemic hit and everything else was shutting down.
“That is why we wanted to join the boat club, because we were super bored and wanted something to do and now we can have something to do every weekend,” Rector said.
On Monday they took out a pontoon boat out at the Julington Creek Marina.
Mark Vickers, the general manager of the Freedom Boat Club, said he’s seen a real boom in boating across the entire marine industry because of COVID-19.
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Vickers said this year more people are working remotely and vacationing closer to home.
“This year it’s been different. One of our owners was down at the dock and she said, ’you know it’s crazy out here’ and her niece piped up. It’s because everyone is on a Corona-cation this year,” Vickers said.
The Freedom Boat Club requires a mask for all members as well as all staff members while they are on the dock.
There’s also an increase of hand sanitizing procedures in place.
Vickers said while boat sales are going up, there are challenges when it comes to supply and demand.
“Because of the coronavirus, the supply chain has been impacted. We’ve had issues getting parts and supplies at times and boat dealers will tell you they’re having trouble getting a steady supply of new boats,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rector said her kids can’t wait to take advantage of the holiday weekend.
Soon they’ll be fishing, tubing and jumping off the boat.
“Yes, we’re very excited,” she said.