Boaters Flock to Lakes Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the boating season. It’s a day Paula Pursley and her fiancé, Steven Mueller, have waited for.
“This is one of the best days of my year, every year,” said Pursley, who lives on Medicine Lake in Plymouth.
Their boat is coming out of storage. So did many others.
Steven Ziebarth, owner of Z-Marine, delivered the couple’s party/fishing pontoon. His company stored 500 boats over the winter, but after this weekend, that number will be drastically smaller.
“I’d say we are going to be down to about 50 boats left,” said Ziebarth.
With so many boats taking to the water this weekend, safety becomes a concern.
“These boats nowadays go as fast as a lot of cars go. There is no lanes. There are no lights,” said Tim Nealy, a boater that lives on Medicine Lake.
The DNR has a few reminders to help make sure the boating season gets off to a safe start.
Boaters get ready for traditional start of boating season.
DNR Boating Tips
1. Wear a life jacket. No matter your age.
2. Check safety equipment. Make sure life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other pieces of equipment are in working order.
3. Be aware of high water. Water levels are high throughout the state’s waterways.
4. Mind your wake. Wakes can create shoreline erosion and be difficult to navigate for people recreating in the water.
5. Brush up on the rules. The more boater knowledge you have, the safer boating can be.
The boating season is something that many look forward to and by everyone doing their part, the season can be a safe and fun one.
“As much as we enjoy being out here, we don’t drink and drive on the boat. That’s very important,” said Pursley.
The Minnesota DNR reports that operating a boat under the influence is the single greatest factor in fatal boating accidents.
For more boating rules, check out the DNR’s 2023 Minnesota Boating Guide.
Boats are coming out of storage for Memorial Day weekend.
Also See: Maple Grove Starts Free Life Jacket Loaner Program at Weaver Lake
