Bridgeport police and fire departments said they see more boats on the water post Labor Day.

“Yeah, this time of year it’s the end of summer where people want to get their trips in and get their last couple days in the water before they winterize their boats so there’s definitely a lot more boating activities happening,” said Bridgeport Fire Lt. Ryan Hathaway.

The most important reminder is that everyone on any vessel should have a life jacket or portable flotation device (PFD).

“Anything could happen at any moment, weather, rain, tide, a boat could come in and wake the boat and have children in the water. We very strongly recommend having flotation device especially 13 and under,” urges Officer Jason Goncalves.

The Bridgeport Police Marine Unit also wants those who decide to hit the water to understand boating at night is much more difficult than doing so during the daytime.

“Somebody who is not in the water, knows where you are and where you’re going. You have at least two or three forms of communication, cellphone, or radio. Don’t anchor up to the channel and do not tie yourself off to the rocks,” said Bridgeport Police Lt. William Simpson.