Holiday weekend brings boating enforcement and fireworks safety reminders

As the Fourth of July arrives and people head outdoors to enjoy summer activities like boating and fireworks, law enforcement is reminding residents and visitors to keep safety in mind.

“We want to make sure everyone on the water has a fun but safe time,” said Cook County Sheriff Ben Hallberg.

For individuals heading out on the water, the law requires that some adults and youth who operate motorboats, including personal watercraft, have a valid watercraft operator’s permit. The Sheriff’s Office says the law is designed to make boating safer by ensuring everyone operating a motorized watercraft knows the rules and is properly trained.

For those recreating on the water, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind folks of the following:

• Bring proper life jackets – make sure you have enough for every person on board and that they fit correctly.  An adult life jacket will not work for a smaller child.
• Check the weather – Always check and recheck the weather forecast prior to going out on the water.  Storms can pop up without notice; make sure you are prepared or delay your trip if it doesn’t look good.
• Don’t exceed the boat’s capacity – exceeding the limit may put your boat at risk of capsizing.
• Don’t drink and drive – If you are operating the boat, don’t drink. Keep everyone in your boat safe by staying sober while operating a boat.

“Operation Dry Water” kicked off Friday – and with it, multiple public safety agencies are on the lookout for intoxicated boaters over the holiday weekend.

Several festivities and fireworks shows are planned along the North Shore on Saturday. Starting at 11 a.m. in Tofte, 4th of July activities, such as live music, beer garden, craft vendors, and more, will kick off. The fireworks show at the Tofte Town Park begins later that evening at 10 p.m.

Closer to Grand Marais, there is a Devil’s Track boat parade starting at 1:30 p.m., with live music and fireworks occurring later that evening at Skyport Lodge. In town, fireworks over the Grand Marais harbor will begin at 10 p.m.

Other Saturday activities in the area include the Hovland Arts Festival and, in Grand Portage, the Rock the Lake Music Festival, which features a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

With fireworks shows and numerous festivities, Sheriff Hallberg wants to remind folks to have an “enjoyable holiday weekend” while keeping the following safety tips in mind.

• Only use Minnesota-legal fireworks like sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, and snappers.
• Illegal fireworks in Minnesota are the following:
• • Any fireworks that are explosive
  • Any fireworks that are aerial
  • Only certified operators licensed by the State Fire Marshal are allowed to possess or use these types of fireworks.
• When using legal fireworks, remember:
• • Point fireworks away from people and animals.
  • Use fireworks in an open area away from trees and houses.
  • Extinguish and dispose of spent fireworks in a bucket of water.
  • Do not try to relight a dud.
  • Always use caution around fireworks and make sure children are supervised.

Kalli Hawkins July 4, 2026