NEWBURGH, IN (WFIE) -
In Newburgh, many first responders drove boats instead of cars on Sunday, working to keep everyone safe on the Ohio River at the annual Ski Day event held this year at Newburgh Beach.
Ski Day is an event that's been around for over 30 years and some boaters tell 14 News. They think the visible law enforcement presence is partly to thank for keeping it safe.
"Spending some time with my sister, the family, some great friends. Having a blast," said attendee Stephen Jamison.
For some people like Stephen and Valerie Jamison, Sunday was their first time experiencing Ski Day.
"Getting out on the innertube enjoying the Ohio. It's a lot of fun," Jamison said.
According to the event's website, Ski Day on the Ohio started over 30 years ago as a promotion to sell water skis for a local sporting goods store. Now, thousands of boaters and community members gather each year to celebrate the end of summer holding contests and concerts on the sandbar.
"We just want people to get out there safe, get back safe, and go home safe," said Indiana Conservation Officer Mike Kellner.
That's why every Ski Day, law enforcement and first responders from Indiana and Kentucky have a large presence on the riverfront and out in the water.
"We want to deter any type of inappropriate behavior that's going to cause problems and get people hurt," Kellner said.
Kellner and other officers patrol the river keeping an eye out for intoxicated boaters and making sure fights don't break out. Some boaters tell 14 News they think that high security presence helps keep negative activity to a minimum.
"Definitely, that helps a lot," said Valerie Jamison.
For event-goers like the Jamisons, a safe, fun atmosphere is one reason to keep coming back.
"It might become an annual thing, who knows," Jamison said.
Conservation officers say when boating, you should follow the same rules as when driving a car, have a designated driver and be aware of other boats around you on the water.
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