PIKE COUNTY, Pa. — The Fourth of July holiday is getting an early start on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Staff at Lighthouse Harbor Marina in Greentown say they have lots of reservations on the books for people wanting to rent a boat.
"With the Fourth of July being on an actual weekday and not a weekend, people are getting here for the weekend, so people will be getting here for the fourth, and then it will be super busy for the weekend coming up," said rental manager Samantha Viola.
Newswatch 16 found several families at the docks who are enjoying a less crowded lake before the holiday rush.
"It's a beautiful lake, great weather, doing some fishing and spending time with family," said Peter Piechotta of Ambler.
"We came up here this weekend so we can go tubing on the boat," said Isabel Oughton of Telford.
"Just having fun out here while we can, it's something that not all people get to do sometimes, and it's all about quality time with your family," said Olivia Oughton of Telford.
Boaters tell Newswatch 16 they expect even more boats out on the lake as the week goes on, so they are making sure they are doing everything they can to keep everyone safe.
"We have tons of life vests, we have out floats, so we have plenty of protection, so we're safe," said Piechotta.
"We have to wear lifejackets because we are underaged, and we can drown if we don't, so it's very important that we do," explained Oughton.
Staff at Lighthouse Harbor Marina also remind people to keep safety in mind when swimming in the lake with lots of boats.
"You want to make sure that you are finding a good spot if you are going to swim, so you are not swimming in open waters. So try to find a quiet cove or tie up to other boats, but don't swim or tube in an open waterway in case someone falls off," explained Viola.