Hundreds of boaters cluster around a floating DJ booth off Bayard Point for the 2025 Boater Skip Day in Clay County. | Chris Anthony, Boater Skip Day
Published on June 3, 2026 at 3:52 pm
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Boaters will pack the waters off Bayard Point in Clay County on Friday as the annual — and unofficial — “Boater Skip Day” hits the sandbar there.
The event, called the biggest boating party in Northeast Florida, will bring dozens of law enforcement members in boats and in the air to keep an eye on the estimated 10,000 people in a shallow part of the St. Johns River south of Green Cove Springs.
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“Our biggest priority is the safety and security of the people attending the event,” Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ben Ryan said in a statement. “(We expect) anything from heat to medical related and property related issues. We’re here to keep everyone safe, make sure things run smoothly and provide the safest environment possible. It’s also important for event-goers to be kind, courteous and respectful to each other since it gets so busy.”
One of the event’s organizers, Chris Anthony, offered similar advice on Facebook.
“You came last year and partied with thousands! This year it’s back! Party safe on the water and remember to follow all safety rules while riding on the water!” the post said. “Head to the Bayard and follow the music by Deejay Capone & MisterJville! Come tie your boat up next to Gone 2 Sea if you want to be by the music for the event! We will be there by 8 a.m.!”
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Boater Skip Day began years ago as the Poker Run Raft Up, then evolved into a party on the water where boaters of all types “skip” work early on the first Friday of every June.
This Friday’s forecast is mostly sunny, with a high around 84 degrees and a light northeast wind, withpossible gusts as high as 20 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Boaters should stay hydrated and have a first aid kit and life jacket, Ryan said.
Much of the waters where Skip Day occurs is shallow enough to wade through, but Ryan warns boaters that depending where their boat is anchored, there’s a strong chance it will move with the tides. And for safety, wear boating shoes, he added.
Police remind boaters not to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ryan said police made eight arrests last year and 21 during Skip Day in 2024.
In recent years, law enforcement has reported that most boat ramps near Bayard Point are full of empty trailers by 9:30 a.m. as their owners have all gone to the Skip Day event.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will shut down the Shands Boat Ramp on the north side of State Road 16 to all civilian traffic early Friday so 11 law enforcement agencies can use it as a command center, Clay County Fire Rescue said. The agencies include sheriff’s offices from Jacksonville, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties, plus U.S. Coast Guard and the St. Augustine Police Department.
