Officials urge against impaired driving, boating heading into Labor Day weekend

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — With more people traveling and boating this Labor Day weekend, officials urge everyone to stay safe and avoid preventable tragedies.

“Hot weather. You got warm water. Holiday. Those are the mixtures that just mean more people coming out and enjoying the water. It's the best time of the year in San Diego right now," said Rick Romero, Lifeguard Lieutenant with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Romer shared one key piece of advice for anyone planning a boat day.

“Don’t drink and drive a boat. It's the same as driving a car. You know .08 is the limit,” he said.

Lifeguards will be beefing up patrols out on the water and on the beach to make sure people have fun responsibly. 

According to California State Parks, holiday weekends, including Labor Day, account for around 15% of boating accidents each year. However, officials stress they are preventable. 

“Look around. Pay attention to other boaters. Make sure all the kids 12 years and younger have a PFD. Make sure all your PFDs are available,” Romero said.

California Highway Patrol will be out in full force this weekend through the end of Monday stopping impaired drivers with its maximum enforcement campaign.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will also be stepping up patrols. SDSO said so far this year, 4,849 people have been arrested across the county for impaired driving, which is up from the same time last year. 

“Last year we saw over 70 fatalities here in San Diego. Numbers are not decreasing and that’s very worrisome," said Paola Conrique, Program Manager with Mothers Against Drunk Driving San Diego.

Drunk-driving deaths in California are up 40% since 2019, according to the nonprofit. 

“If you’re going to go enjoy our beautiful city just do it responsibly. Take an Uber. Take a Lyft. Use the trolley, phone a friend,” Conrique said.

CHP is urging the public to report any suspected impaired drivers and to stay vigilant. 

California State Parks has additional safety tips for boaters here.