STOCKTON, Calif. — As warm weather ushers in the boating season, Northern Californians are flocking to local deltas and lakes, seeking relaxation and recreation. This past Sunday, Buckley Cove in Stockton saw a significant turnout, with boaters like Lisa Freitas making the most of the holiday weekend.
"We're big-time boaters. It's usually pretty packed on holiday weekends," said Freitas. "You forget about all your worries. All your worries go out the door."
For Connor Harden, a six-year-old from Valley Springs, the thrill of boating starts even before the water splashes against the hull. "This boat goes fast," Connor exclaimed from the driver's seat, his excitement palpable despite being on dry land. "I'm sitting in the back so my eyes don't hurt like last time."
Yet, not all experiences on the water are carefree. Alex Brown, a frequent boater, highlighted the importance of vigilance amidst the fun. "We come out to party, hang out with friends and family, enjoy the smooth waters out here on the delta and just see what we can get into," Brown noted. "Avoid all the drunk drivers for sure."
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office Boating Unit, staying safe on the water can be challenging, especially during peak times. Deputy John Canepa revealed that the unit has responded to 20 after-hours call-outs this year, with more than half occurring in the last three weeks. "It can range from five to ten," Deputy Canepa said regarding the daily calls for service. "But we'll probably do even more boat stops than that."
These stops are critical for ensuring safety through inspections, monitoring for illegal behavior, and verifying that every boat driver is sober and holds a state-certified boater card. During a ride-along with ABC10, deputies stopped at least four boats and jet skis and responded to a service call in less than an hour.
Deputy Canepa emphasized the ultimate goal of these efforts: "Ultimately, our number one goal out here is safety so if you see us or need our help, feel free to give us a call or flag us down," he advised. "Have all your safety gear and designate a sober operator."
Echoing Deputy Canepa's sentiment, young Connor Harden offered a simple yet vital piece of advice for fellow boaters: "Always have a life jacket on."
As the boating season progresses, authorities hope that boaters heed these safety tips to ensure a fun and incident-free time on the water.
