Friday, June 2 is Boater Skip Day and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office created a video with tips for boaters to enjoy the unofficial holiday as safely as possible.
Boater Skip Day is the largest boating event in Northeast Florida. Each year, hundreds of boaters take a once-a-year opportunity to trade a day of work for a day making memories on the waters, according to the North Florida Marine Association.
This year’s skip day begins at 9 a.m. and boaters are encouraged to meet at Marker 24 at Bayard Point, just south of the Shands Bridge.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office “tips” video tells boaters not to operate their vessel if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“If you are going to drink, have a confident driver to drive you away from the area and get you back home safely,” Marine Deputy Bill Maher said.
Boaters are told to pack smart and to make sure they have all equipment required by coast guard standards including life jackets, flashlights, whistles, horns and first-aid kits.
There will be an area marked with signs on buoys saying “no mooring,” or no anchoring. Those areas are for emergency personnel only, Maher said.
The sheriff’s office also asks attendees who are not towing a boat to avoid parking in spaces used for people with trailers, do not block another legally parked vehicle in a designated parking space and do not park in the median or shoulder of Highway 17.
Click here for more information and additional tips to prepare for Boater Skip Day.
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