Quiet holiday weekend wraps up Monday

Driving north on Highway 95 midmorning Monday, it was easy to see the holiday weekend was wrapping up.

It was a steady stream of vehicles, trucks, RVs and more, hauling boats, Jet Skis and other recreational toys — all heading out of the Martinez Lake area.

And on the lake, it was a similar story. There weren't very many people.

The Yuma Sun went out on the water with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office Monday for Labor Day.

Deputy Kenneth L. Carver said in respects to a holiday weekend, it was definitely quiet. And that's a good thing for law enforcement officers.

They had two operating under the influence calls, he said.

They had several calls for assistance with several minor injuries and a swamped boat, he said, adding that there were several citations for people speeding on Jet Skis.

The YCSO patrols from the Imperial Dam north to Picacho.

Carver said he estimates the total capacity for the holiday weekend was about 4,000 to 5,000 people. He said the big day for the holiday crowd was Saturday.

Carver said there were several houseboats on the lake this weekend, and that's great because as long as they're having a good time — and not driving the boat or swimming at night — it's a safe way to enjoy the holiday.

Deputy Alen Herrera said they saw a little bit of everything this weekend.

With the swamped boat, Carver said, the response from other boaters was great.

“I had about 20 boats out there helping everybody. I like that.”