Boaters, mark your calendars! The annual Boater Skip Day is set for this Friday, June 7th, at the Bayard Sand Bar (Marker 24), just south of the Shands Bridge in Green Cove Springs. This all-day event promises a fantastic time on the water, building on last year’s success where over 1,000 boats joined the massive flotilla.
Event Highlights:
- Date: Friday, June 7th
- Location: Bayard Sand Bar (Marker 24), south of Shands Bridge, Green Cove Springs
- Activities: All-day boating and partying
What to Expect
Hundreds of boaters will leave their day jobs behind to party at Bayard Point on the St. Johns River during Clay County’s unofficial “Boater Skip Day.” With upwards of 1,000 boats and their passengers arriving by 9 a.m., the atmosphere will be electric.
The event has evolved from the Poker Run Raft Up into a massive party where boaters of all types “skip” work on the first Friday of June. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will be present to ensure safety. Last year, the officers handed out 103 written warnings and 38 boating citations, and made 18 arrests for boating under the influence. However, the event was injury-free.
Safety and Logistics
- Shands Boat Ramp: Closed to civilian traffic from midnight Friday, reopening late Friday.
- Patrols: Local law enforcement and the FWC will patrol the area.
- Safety Tips: Stay hydrated, use life jackets, and avoid overcrowding boats.
Deputy Abbegail Harris emphasized the importance of safety, urging participants to boat and party responsibly. “We want everyone to have a good time, but we want it to be done safely,” she said.
Parking and Launch Sites
Be aware that popular boat ramps like Governors Creek, Knight’s Boat Ramp, Lakeshore Boat Ramp, Doctor’s Lake Boat Ramp, and Williams Park filled up by 9:30 a.m. last year. Plan accordingly to ensure you have a spot.
Prepare your boat, gather your friends, and get ready for a day of fun on the water. Boater Skip Day 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable event!
