STOKESDALE, N.C. — Are you celebrating the Labor Day weekend on a river or lake in the Triad?
On Sunday evening, the parking lot at Belews Creek was full.
WFMY News 2's spoke to visitors and a water safety expert on how to stay safe.
Bentley Goodman and Blaine Gauldin said they buckle up and check their gear before jumping on a jet ski.
The brothers ride together while Goodman is still learning the ropes.
"That's why we have all the protection and safety on just making sure everybody stays safe. We are here to have fun, not to get hurt," he shared.
The two said they take safety seriously because anything can happen on the water.
"The key is you want to make sure you took your boater safety course and learned everything there," Gauldin recalled, "We have to be responsive and watch out for other boats."
Chief of Guilford County Association of Scuba Personnel Michael Tasman said being aware of your surroundings can prevent boating injuries. This year alone he said his team responded to 18 water rescues throughout the Triad.
He said during holiday weekends law enforcement presence can be heavy to keep an eye out for boater safety.
"They are out doing vessel inspections and making sure you have life jackets and all the safety stuff you need to have on board...They're also looking out for reckless boating," he said.
He warns that drinking alcohol and boating do not mix.
As a reminder, state law requires anyone born after January 1st 1988 to have a valid boating safety certificate if you are operating a water vessel.