Higher gas prices have led to fewer and fewer boats on the waterways on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and those who do travel out have noticed the difference.

WWL-TV

Boats were out in earnest on the 4th, but for the most part, St. Tammany deputies say the numbers are down this year.

"With the exception of today, I have noticed everywhere, fewer boats out in the water," said Kevin Mumphrey of Mandeville.

 Mumphrey said gas prices now play a part in his boating equation.

No longer does he take out the boat anytime he feels like it. With the price of a gallon of diesel around $4.69, his trips are more thought out.

"In the past I went out anytime I felt like it,” he said. “Gas prices didn't figure into my decisions at all."

St. Tammany deputies concurred. They said it was crowded on the Fourth of July holiday, but added that for the most part, they are seeing thinner crowds.

Captain George Bonnett said having fewer boats in the water has made for safer waters.

"We've had comparatively fewer incidents this summer on the river.  It's been relatively safe for the boaters, and the jetskiers and people on the river."

Bonnett said that's because of better safety awareness, and because people new to the north shore are now learning the waterways, but mostly, he says, it's because there are fewer boats in the water.

And while Mumphrey said he definitely is putting his boat in the water less often, he does give in to temptation now and then.

"If it's a good fishing day, and I have it planned that I'm going fishing, and the water's right and the wind's right and the tide's right, I don't care what it costs, I'm taking it out, but if the weather's a little choppy, I'll sleep in."