Boater Skip Day is expected to bring hundreds of boaters to Bayard Point in Clay County, Florida, for the annual first-Friday-of-June raft-up on the St. Johns River. The unofficial boating gathering is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at the shallow-water sandbar area south of Green Cove Springs.
The event has become known as one of the largest boating parties in Northeast Florida, with an estimated crowd of about 1,000 people expected on the water. Jacksonville Today reported that law enforcement planned a visible presence by boat and air, with public-safety officials emphasizing heat safety, hydration, life jackets, first-aid supplies and responsible boating.
Boater Skip Day began years ago as the Poker Run Raft Up before evolving into a broad on-water gathering where boaters “skip” work early and head to Bayard Point on the first Friday of June. Organizers directed boaters to follow the music near Bayard Point, with Deejay Capone and MisterJville listed as part of the event atmosphere.
Because the gathering takes place in shallow water, officials warned boaters to pay attention to tides, anchoring conditions and footwear. Authorities also reminded participants not to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Jacksonville Today reported that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission planned to close the Shands Boat Ramp to civilian traffic early Friday so multiple law enforcement agencies could use it as a command center.
