Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest outdoor recreation weekends of the year in Maine. Whether you're spending time on the water or exploring Maine's ATV trails, make safety part of your plans.
This holiday weekend, the Maine Warden Service will be actively patrolling Maine's waterways. Game Wardens will be watching for impaired boaters, enforcing Maine's boating laws, including Headway Speed requirements, checking for required life jackets and safety equipment, and reminding boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Alcohol use remains one of the leading contributing factors in fatal recreational boating accidents nationwide. Boating requires attention, good judgment, and quick reaction times—abilities that can be significantly impaired by alcohol. If you're heading out on the water, make a plan to boat sober and encourage everyone in your group to do the same.
Before leaving shore, make sure your boat registration is current and that you have all required safety equipment on board, including properly fitting life jackets for every passenger. Wear your life jacket, operate at a safe speed for conditions, obey all boating laws, and use your engine cut-off switch if your vessel is equipped with one. Boaters should also remember to clean, drain, and dry their boats and gear after each outing to help protect Maine's waters from invasive species. As always, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.
Life Jacket Law Reminder
Children 12 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while aboard a recreational watercraft that is underway. The age requirement increased from 10 to 12 years old in 2026, aligning Maine law with federal regulations.
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Clean, Drain, Dry
Help protect Maine's waters from aquatic invasive species. Before leaving the water, clean off plants, mud, and debris; drain your watercraft and equipment; and dry everything completely before using it again. These simple steps can help prevent the spread of invasive species to Maine's lakes and rivers.
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Photo by Visit Maine
Labor Day weekend is also a popular time for ATV riders to explore Maine's extensive trail system. Many of these trails exist thanks to the generosity of private landowners and the hard work of local ATV clubs and volunteers who maintain thousands of miles of routes across the state.
Before you ride, make sure your ATV registration is up to date and that your machine meets Maine’s ATV requirements. Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear, ride within your abilities, and adjust your speed for trail and weather conditions.
Responsible riding helps protect both Maine's trails and the future of the sport. Stay on designated ATV trails, obey posted signs and closures, and avoid damaging trails, vegetation, or sensitive areas. Be courteous when encountering other trail users, stay to the right, and use caution on ATV access routes and road crossings. Riders should also remember that operating an ATV under the influence of alcohol is illegal and dangerous. Modified exhaust systems are prohibited, and riders should take extra care during dry conditions to help prevent wildfires by staying on marked trails and avoiding dry vegetation.
Private Land Access Reminder
Much of Maine's ATV trail system crosses private land and remains open thanks to the generosity of landowners. Respect posted signs, stay on marked trails, and ride responsibly to help protect access. Consider becoming an Outdoor Partner and joining the effort to support Maine's tradition of access to private land.
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Whether you're launching a boat or hitting the trails, a little preparation goes a long way. By recreating safely, respecting the law, and looking out for others, you help ensure Maine's outdoor traditions remain strong for generations to come.
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