As people around the Tri-State hit the water for the last big boating weekend of the summer, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office encourage boaters to practice safe,

courteous driving.

"Labor Day is one of Ohio's busiest boating weekends and generally marks the ending of the traditional summer boating season," Ken Alvey, acting chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft, said in a written release. "Properly wearing a life jacket, observing the rules of the road and preparedness should remain a

priority for all boaters throughout the year."

Since the first of the year, there have been 20 fatalities in 18 accidents across the state. Fourteen of the victims were not wearing personal flotation devices, according to statistics from the ODNR.

However, there have been no boating fatalities recorded in Lawrence County.

Lawrence County Marine Patrol Officer Carol Kitts said that the upcoming weekend really won't be that different from any other.

"Traffic will be a little heavier, but it is really just two extra days," Kitts said.

Kitts said she doesn't really expect to issue many extra citations.

"We try not to give a lot of tickets," she said. "We are not here to upset anybody. We just want everyone to have a safe weekend."

The marine patrol is part of the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department. They will patrol the river and Timber Ridge Lake until at least the end of September or longer, depending on the weather, Kitts said.

If boaters are courteous, then everyone should have a good time, Kitts said.

Ironton resident Tom Schwab and his son, Spencer, 11, took advantage of the nice weather Saturday and put their jet ski on the Ohio River. They won the jet ski last month in a promotional giveaway from Pick N' Save grocery store in Ironton.

Although the Schwabs haven't used it on the river, they have ridden it on several local lakes. They haven't taken a safety class, but have read the manuals and watched a "great instructional video," Tom said.

Even though summer is winding down, there are still boating opportunities to be enjoyed well into the fall, Jane Beathard, spokesperson for the ODNR, said.

"We usually start to see a decline in accidents by Labor Day weekend," Beathard said.

"That doesn't mean people should let their guard down.

"The messages we stress are the same as throughout the year -- do not drink alcohol and always wear a life jacket."

Beathard said they will have extra people patrolling this weekend and are

"particularly vigilant

during holidays."

"Traditionally, there is a big decline in water activities after Labor Day, although there are many nice weekends well into October," she said. "Some of the very best fall colors in Southern Ohio can be seen along the water ways." Michael Caldwell/The Ironton Tribune