Summer is right around the corner. Summer Safety 2026

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer at Buckeye Lake — and it shows. The water fills up fast, the docks get busy, and the energy on shore is electric. It's one of the best weekends of the year to be out here. It's also the busiest, and that means a little extra awareness goes a long way toward making sure everyone has a safe, memorable weekend for all the right reasons.

Whether you're a seasonal regular or heading to Buckeye Lake for the first time, here's what you need to know going into the holiday weekend.

□️ On the Water: Boating Safety Basics

Memorial Day weekend brings more boats onto Buckeye Lake than almost any other time of year. More traffic means more responsibility. Here's what every operator needs to keep in mind.

Life jackets are non-negotiable. Ohio law requires one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board, and children under 10 must wear one at all times while the boat is underway. On a busy holiday weekend, don't treat this as optional — it's the single most important safety item on your boat.

Know the no-wake zones and respect them. Buckeye Lake has designated no-wake areas — including the marina at Buckeye Beach Park — that exist to protect docked boats, shoreline property, and swimmers. Slow down and stay off plane in marked zones, especially with heavier weekend boat traffic.

Keep a proper lookout at all times. The operator is responsible for watching the water ahead and around the boat. On a holiday weekend, the lake is full of kayaks, paddleboards, swimmers, and smaller vessels that can be hard to see. Designate a spotter if you have passengers — don't rely on one set of eyes.

Maintain a safe speed and safe distance. Ohio law requires operating at a safe speed for conditions — which on a crowded holiday weekend means slower than you might run on a quiet Tuesday. Maintain at least 100 feet between your boat and other vessels when possible.

File a float plan. Before you head out, tell someone on shore where you're going, how many people are on board, and when you expect to be back. It takes two minutes and gives emergency responders critical information if something goes wrong.

Check the weather before you launch. Memorial Day weekend weather in Ohio can shift quickly. Thunderstorms move in fast and open water is a dangerous place to be in a lightning storm. Check the forecast that morning and watch the sky throughout the day. If storms are in the area, get off the water early.

⚠️ Boating Under the Influence Is a Crime in Ohio

Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is illegal in Ohio — the same threshold as driving a car. Memorial Day weekend is one of the most heavily patrolled weekends of the year on Ohio waterways. Ohio DNR watercraft officers will be on Buckeye Lake. A BUI conviction carries serious fines, potential jail time, and loss of boating privileges. Designate a sober operator and keep the drinks dockside.

□ Water Safety and Swimming

Memorial Day marks the start of swimming season for most families, but the water in Buckeye Lake in late May is colder than most people expect. Cold water presents real risks — even for strong swimmers.

Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy and within sight of someone on shore or on the boat. This is especially important for children but applies to every age group.

Be aware of cold water shock. Water temperatures in late May can still be in the low-to-mid 60s. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex and muscle weakness that makes swimming difficult within minutes. Enter the water gradually and stay close to the boat or dock.

Keep children in life jackets near the water. Ohio requires children under 10 to wear a life jacket on a moving boat — but on a busy holiday weekend, children near the dock, on the shore, or playing near the water should be wearing one too.

Swim away from boat traffic. Never swim in boat lanes or near active ramp areas. On a holiday weekend, boat traffic is continuous. Swim in designated areas or clearly away from where boats are moving.

Know where your kids are — always. Holiday weekends are loud, busy, and full of distractions. Designate one adult as the water watcher any time children are near the lake. No phones, no conversations — eyes on the water.

☀️ Sun, Heat, and Hydration

A full day on the water in late May can mean hours of direct sun exposure — and most people underestimate how quickly that adds up, especially on the water where UV reflects off the surface.

Apply sunscreen before you leave the dock — and reapply. SPF 30 or higher, applied 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming. Don't forget ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of feet.

Drink water constantly — not just when you feel thirsty. Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration. On a hot day on the water, adults should aim for at least 8 ounces of water per hour. Alcohol accelerates dehydration significantly.

Use the bimini top. Shade makes a dramatic difference in sun exposure over a long day. If your pontoon has a bimini, use it. Bring a pop-up canopy if you're spending extended time on shore.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, weakness, cold or pale skin, a fast or weak pulse, nausea, and fainting are all warning signs. Move the person to shade immediately, apply cool wet cloths, and give them water to sip. If symptoms don't improve quickly, call 911.

□ Pack a Basic First Aid Kit

Every boat should carry one. At minimum: adhesive bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, antacid, tweezers, and any personal medications. Keep it in a waterproof bag in an accessible storage compartment — not at the bottom of a gear pile.

□ Campsite and Fire Safety

A campfire and a holiday weekend go hand in hand. Keep it safe and keep the weekend going for everyone around you.

Use a designated fire ring only. Never build a fire outside of a designated fire ring or fire pit. Keep fires a safe distance from your RV, awning, trees, and neighboring sites.

Never leave a fire unattended. If you're going to bed or leaving the site, put the fire completely out — drown it with water, stir the ashes, and drown it again. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.

Keep children and pets a safe distance from the fire. Designate a clear boundary around the fire ring — a simple rule like "no closer than the length of a camp chair" works well for young kids.

Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby. Always have a way to extinguish the fire quickly within arm's reach. A five-gallon bucket of water is the simplest solution.

Be a good neighbor. Keep noise and fires at a reasonable level, especially late at night. Holiday weekends are packed — a little consideration goes a long way toward everyone having a good experience.

⚠️ RV Propane and Carbon Monoxide Safety

Never run a generator or gas-powered equipment inside or immediately adjacent to your RV. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and builds up fast in enclosed spaces. Make sure your RV's CO detector is working — test it before the trip. If the alarm sounds, get everyone outside immediately and call 911.

□ Fireworks — Know the Rules

Memorial Day weekend and fireworks go together — but Ohio has specific rules about consumer fireworks that are worth knowing before you stock up at the roadside tent.

Ohio law allows consumer fireworks — with conditions. Since 2022, Ohio residents may legally use consumer-grade fireworks, but local ordinances vary. Check with the campground and local authorities about what is and isn't permitted on or near the property before you light anything.

Never use fireworks near dry grass, trees, or RVs. A stray spark landing on an awning or dry vegetation near a crowded campground is a serious fire risk. Use fireworks in open areas away from structures, boats, and other campers.

Keep a bucket of water nearby. Soak used fireworks completely before disposing of them. Firework casings can stay hot long after they've fired and can start fires in trash cans or dry ground.

Never give fireworks to children. Even sparklers — commonly thought of as harmless — burn at up to 1,800°F and are responsible for a large percentage of fireworks injuries every year. Children should watch from a safe distance with adult supervision.

□ Emergency Contacts to Have on Hand

Save these before you leave home. Cell service can be spotty on the water — know your numbers before you need them.

Emergency (police, fire, medical): 911

Licking County Sheriff's Office: (740) 670-5555

Ohio DNR Watercraft (boating emergencies): 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543)

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Buckeye Lake: Channel 16 on VHF marine radio

Licking Memorial Hospital (Newark): (740) 348-4000

Buckeye Beach Park: 740-538-LAKE (5253)

□ One Last Thing — Have a Great Weekend

Safety isn't about being cautious to the point of missing the fun — it's what makes the fun possible all weekend long. A little preparation, a few ground rules with the group, and some common sense on the water means everyone goes home with great memories and a reason to come back next year. See you out there.

Spend Memorial Day Weekend at Buckeye Beach Park

We've been welcoming families to Buckeye Lake since 1986 — and Memorial Day weekend is one of our favorites. Seasonal RV sites, dock slips, a calm no-wake marina, and a sandy beach just three blocks away. Come join us for the kickoff to summer.

Visit Our Website Call 740-538-LAKE