8 Essential Memorial Day Lake Party Supplies for Families

The sun is finally warming up, the boat is uncovered, and Memorial Day weekend is about to kick off the summer lake season. When a crowd of family and friends descends on the dock, having the right gear determines whether the day is a relaxing success or a chaotic scramble. Equipping the shoreline and boat with reliable, water-tested gear ensures everyone stays safe, comfortable, and entertained from sunrise to the evening campfire.

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How to Prep Your Boat and Dock for Holiday Crowds

Holiday weekends bring heavy boat traffic, wakes, and high foot traffic on docks. Start by inspecting all dock cleats, tightening loose bolts, and adding heavy-duty bumpers to protect hulls from aggressive wake action. Ensure fire extinguishers, throw cushions, and first-aid kits are easily accessible rather than buried under towing ropes.

Establish a clear zone on the dock for staging gear to prevent tripping hazards. Set up a dedicated “dry zone” for towels and electronics away from the main splash areas where kids jump in. Clearly label a trash bin and a recycling container to keep aluminum cans and plastic wrappers from blowing into the water.

Marine Cooler – RTIC 52 Ultra-Light Hard Cooler

A high-capacity marine cooler is the heartbeat of any lake party, keeping drinks ice-cold and preventing food spoilage under the hot sun. Opening and closing a flimsy grocery store cooler all day ruins ice retention, leading to warm drinks and soggy sandwiches. A heavy-duty, insulated cooler acts as a reliable basecamp on the boat deck or dock.

The RTIC 52 Ultra-Light Hard Cooler excels here because it delivers the ice retention of traditional rotomolded coolers while weighing roughly 30% less. It features injection-molded construction, heavy-duty T-latches, and thick foam insulation that holds ice for days. The built-in tie-down slots and non-slip feet keep it securely planted on a wet boat deck.

• Weight: 21 lbs (empty)
• Capacity: 52 quarts (holds up to 64 cans plus ice)
• Features: Marine-grade drain plug, integrated padlock loops, molded-in side handles

Keep in mind that while the ultra-light design is easier to carry, it still gets heavy when fully loaded with ice and beverages. Users should pre-chill the cooler with a sacrificial bag of ice the night before to maximize performance.

This cooler is perfect for families who need durable ice retention without the back-straining weight of classic rotomolded options. It is not ideal for solo kayakers or those with ultra-compact boat decks where space is at a premium.

Floating Water Mat – Rubber Dockie Water Pad

A floating water mat instantly expands the usable square footage of a boat or dock, creating an on-water playground. It gives kids and adults a place to lounge, wrestle, or sunbathe without crowding the boat’s interior. Without one, swimmers spend the day constantly treading water or clinging to the swim ladder.

The Rubber Dockie Water Pad stands out due to its tear-resistant tuff-hide outer layer and high-visibility neon colors that keep swimmers visible to passing boaters. Its double-ply closed-cell foam construction does not absorb water, ensuring it stays buoyant all day long. It comes equipped with a 10-foot elastic bungee tether to secure it directly to a dock or boat cleat.

• Dimensions: 18 x 6 feet or 9 x 6 feet options
• Weight Capacity: Up to 1,200 lbs (for the 18-foot model)
• Safety Features: High-visibility green and orange sides, hook-and-loop storage straps

Roll-up mats require proper handling, as rolling them back up tightly requires two adults and some coordination. Always anchor the mat away from the boat propeller path and in deep enough water to prevent injuries from diving off the edges.

This mat is a must-have for families with active kids and teenagers who want an all-day water station. It is not the right fit for those with limited boat storage space, as the rolled-up mat takes up significant room on deck or in the bow.

Waterproof Speaker – JBL Charge 5 Portable Speaker

Music sets the tone for a holiday weekend, but the lake environment is notoriously harsh on electronics. Standard portable speakers will fail after a single splash or a drop into the sand. A dedicated, rugged waterproof speaker keeps the music playing through splashing, rain, and dusty shorelines.

The JBL Charge 5 Portable Speaker is the premier choice for lake days due to its IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. It features a separate tweeter, an optimized long-excursion driver, and dual bass radiators that project clear sound over the noise of boat engines. Crucially, its built-in power bank allows users to charge smartphones directly from the speaker while playing music.

• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of playtime
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 and PartyBoost compatibility
• Durability: Fully submergible in water up to 3 feet for 30 minutes

While it can survive a drop into the lake, this speaker does not float naturally for long and can sink if dropped in deep water. Attaching a floating wrist strap or keeping it tethered to a cupholder prevents accidental losses to the lake bottom.

This speaker is ideal for boaters and beachgoers who need loud, high-quality audio and all-day battery life. It is not necessary for those who already have a high-end integrated marine audio system installed on their boat.

Kids Life Jacket – Stearns Classic Series Vest

Water safety is non-negotiable, especially during busy holiday weekends when the lake is crowded with fast-moving vessels. A high-quality life jacket keeps children safe and gives parents peace of mind while kids play on the dock or swim in deep water. Relying on inflatable pool floaties is a dangerous mistake, as they are not US Coast Guard-approved life-saving devices.

The Stearns Classic Series Vest is a dependable choice featuring US Coast Guard-approved Type III performance. Built with a durable nylon shell and PE flotation foam, it features three adjustable chest straps and a leg strap on smaller sizes to prevent the vest from riding up. The open-sided design allows for excellent mobility, so kids can swim and paddle without chafing.

• Sizing Options: Infant (under 30 lbs), Child (30-50 lbs), Youth (50-90 lbs)
• Material: 200D nylon construction
• Certifications: USCG Approved

Ensure the leg strap is always threaded and buckled for younger children, as this is the only thing preventing the jacket from slipping over their heads in the water. Regularly check the straps for wear and rinse the vest with fresh water after use to prevent mildew.

This vest is perfect for parents looking for an affordable, highly durable, and safety-certified life jacket for recreational boating and swimming. It is not designed for high-speed towable sports or personal watercraft, which require high-impact speed-rated vests.

Why Proper Life Jacket Fitting Saves Lives on the Water

A life jacket only works if it fits correctly and stays secured during a sudden fall into the water. Simply grabbing a random vest from the boat locker and throwing it on a child is highly dangerous. If the jacket is too large, the water will push the vest up around the child’s face, blocking their airway and rendering the flotation useless.

To test the fit, buckle all straps and zip the vest completely, then lift the wearer by the shoulders of the life jacket. If the jacket slides up past their chin or ears, it is too loose and needs to be tightened or swapped for a smaller size. For adults, the jacket should feel snug but comfortable, allowing for a deep breath without restriction.

Always check the manufacturer’s label to match the wearer’s weight and chest size precisely. Remember that life jackets lose buoyancy over time due to crushed foam or sun damage, so inspect older vests annually for rips, faded fabric, and broken buckles.

Towable Tube – Airhead Mach 2 Inflatable Tube

Towing kids behind the boat is a classic lake activity that delivers endless thrills. A cheap, poorly designed tube will flip unexpectedly, drag through the water, or suffer torn seams after a few runs. A high-quality towable tube ensures a stable, safe, and exciting ride for riders of all skill levels.

The Airhead Mach 2 Inflatable Tube is engineered for safety and comfort, featuring a cockpit-style design that keeps riders seated securely inside rather than laying flat on their stomachs. It is constructed with a heavy-gauge PVC bladder fully encased in a double-stitched nylon cover. The inflated floors provide comfortable cushioning, while the deluxe neoprene-knuckle-guard handles offer a secure grip.

• Rider Capacity: 1 or 2 riders (up to 340 lbs total)
• Towing Connection: Kwik-Connect tow point for fast hookups
• Inflation: Speed Safety Valve for rapid inflating and deflating

Cockpit tubes require lower towing speeds than flat deck tubes to prevent the nose from diving into the water during a startup. Always use a dedicated, high-strength tow rope rated specifically for two-rider tubes, and never use a standard utility rope.

This tube is the ultimate option for families with younger kids or nervous riders who prefer a secure, seated feel over a wild, bouncy ride. It is not the right choice for extreme thrill-seekers who want to slide and jump wakes at high speeds on a flat-deck tube.

Stand Up Paddleboard – Isle Pioneer 2.0 ISUP

When the boat engine is off, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) offers a peaceful way to explore quiet coves and get some light exercise. It serves as a versatile lake accessory that can be used for paddling, yoga, or even as a floating swim platform for the kids. Inflatable paddleboards are far superior to rigid boards for family lake trips because they are easier to transport and store.

The Isle Pioneer 2.0 ISUP is exceptionally stable, making it the perfect family-friendly platform. Built with military-grade outer PVC and drop-stitch technology, it inflates to a rigid state that feels identical to a hardboard. It features an integrated nose and tail bungee system to secure dry bags, a central carry handle, and a comfortable brushed EVA traction pad.

• Dimensions: 10’6″ long, 34″ wide, 6″ thick
• Weight Capacity: Up to 285 lbs
• Included Accessories: Travel backpack, hybrid paddle, high-pressure pump, coil leash, and fin

Operating an inflatable SUP requires inflating it to the correct pressure (usually 13-17 PSI) using the included hand pump, which can be physically demanding. Investing in a 12V electric pump that plugs into a car or boat outlet makes this process effortless.

This board is perfect for beginners, families, and paddlers carrying extra gear or pets due to its wide, ultra-stable hull. It is not built for speed enthusiasts who want a narrow, touring-style racing board.

Beach Canopy – Neso Tents Gigante Shade Anchor

A full day under the relentless summer sun can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and severe sunburns. While traditional pop-up canopies provide shade, they are incredibly heavy, prone to breaking in high winds, and difficult to set up on sandy or rocky shorelines. A lightweight, wind-resistant sunshade keeps the family comfortable all afternoon.

The Neso Tents Gigante Shade Anchor uses a brilliant, wind-anchored design that relies on natural tension. It features water-resistant Lycra-Nylon fabric with a UPF 50+ sun protection rating and rustproof aluminum poles. Instead of metal stakes, it uses four corner anchor bags that you fill with sand, rocks, or heavy lake stones to secure the canopy in place.

• Coverage Area: 11 x 11 feet (folds down to fit in a carry-on bag)
• Height: 8.2 feet of clearance
• Wind Resistance: High-tension design thrives in breezy shoreline conditions

Setting this canopy up requires stretching the fabric completely taut before filling the anchor bags to capacity. If the wind picks up, simply point the opening of the tent directly into the wind to allow the canopy to aerodynamically float.

This shade is perfect for families setting up camp on sandy lake beaches, grassy shorelines, or gravel banks. It is not designed for hard concrete docks or wooden decks where sand or rocks are unavailable to fill the anchor bags.

Waterproof Dry Bag – Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Taking phones, car keys, wallets, and dry clothes onto a boat or dock is always a gamble. One stray wave, a sudden rain shower, or an accidental drop into the water can instantly ruin hundreds of dollars of electronics. A reliable dry bag keeps your essential gear completely dry and secure, no matter how wet the environment gets.

The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a legendary lake accessory constructed from heavy-duty 500D PVC with welded seams. It utilizes a simple, highly effective roll-top closure that seals out all water and dust when rolled down three times and buckled. Additionally, it features a heavy-duty shoulder strap and includes a waterproof phone case that allows for touch-screen operation while protected.

• Size Options: 10L, 20L, 30L, 40L, and 55L capacities
• Buoyancy: Floats safely on the water surface if dropped overboard (when sealed with air trapped inside)
• Portability: Single strap for smaller sizes; backpack-style straps for larger models

To ensure a proper seal, always purge excess air but leave enough inside to allow the bag to float if it falls overboard. Never submerge the bag underwater intentionally, as roll-top designs are meant to protect against splashes, rain, and quick drops, not deep diving.

This dry bag is a must-have for anyone bringing non-waterproof items onto boats, paddleboards, or kayaks. It is unnecessary for those who plan to leave all their valuables locked securely inside their tow vehicle or cabin.

How to Secure Your Gear Against Sudden Summer Squalls

Summer weather can change in an instant, turning a calm, sunny lake afternoon into a wind-whipped storm with blinding rain. When a sudden squall hits, unsecured gear can quickly blow away, sink, or become dangerous projectiles. Boat captains and dock owners must act fast to secure their equipment before the storm peaks.

Instantly stow lightweight items like life jackets, towels, and inflatable toys inside closed boat lockers or tie them down securely. Use heavy-duty bungees or cam straps to lock down canopies, coolers, and paddleboards to the boat cleats or dock rings. If you are on the water, head immediately to the nearest sheltered cove or dock, keeping the bow pointed into the wind to minimize rolling.

Ensure all bilge pumps are switched to automatic mode to handle the sudden influx of rainwater on open bowriders. Once safely docked, double check all mooring lines, add extra spring lines to absorb the dock’s movement, and secure the boat cover if it is safe to do so.

Quick Steps for Cleaning and Storing Inflatables

Inflatables like tubes, water mats, and paddleboards are major investments that can rot, mold, or suffer seam failures if stored improperly. Lake water contains algae, bacteria, and minerals that degrade PVC and nylon over time. Taking a few systematic steps at the end of the holiday weekend will extend the lifespan of your gear by years.

First, spray down all inflatables with fresh water to remove lake scum, mud, and sand from the seams and valves. Use a mild dish soap and a soft brush to scrub away stubborn dirt or algae, then rinse thoroughly. Allow the gear to dry completely in a shaded area; storing inflatables while damp is a guaranteed way to grow black mold and weaken glue seams.

Once dry, deflate the gear fully and fold it loosely rather than creasing it tightly, which can weaken the vinyl over time. Store the clean inflatables in a cool, dry, rodent-proof container or bag to prevent mice from chewing through the soft materials during the off-season.

Conclusion

Setting up your Memorial Day lake party with reliable, safety-approved, and highly durable gear is the secret to a stress-free holiday weekend. By investing in quality supplies and taking the time to maintain them, you ensure your family stays safe and focused on making memories. Keep the boat prepped, the cooler packed, and the life jackets secured for a spectacular start to the summer season.