The 4th of July weekend is upon us and while getting out on the water is a great way to spend a day off, if you are not a patient person or are in a hurry, heading for the waterways may not be what you want to try to do. The crowds on the water and at the boat ramps are guaranteed to be huge. There will be long lines and waits at the boat ramps to get in and out of the water. There will also be plenty of people operating boats while consuming large amounts of alcohol out in the blazing hot sun. If you still feel you need to get out on the water there are a few tips sent to us by Boat U.S. These tips are geared toward the 4th of July around harbors with fireworks, but many of the tips also apply to boating in large crowds. We hope everyone has a great and safe 4th of July.
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Plan Ahead: Ensure you have enough fuel; make sure all navigation lights and hand held spotlights are in working order. It’s a good idea to check the engine and mechanicals, such as fan belts, battery connections, fuel filters and engine fluids ahead of time. Don’t invite more guests aboard than your vessel can safely handle. Keep an ear to the weather forecast on VHF radio.
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Avoid Alcohol: Combined with the effects of a hot sunny day, alcohol will leave an operator impaired when they can least afford it - navigating at night in heavy boating traffic. It’s okay to party - just save it until after you’ve put the boat to bed and you’re back at the dock, homeport or beach (dry land). The captain is also ultimately responsible for everyone’s safety aboard.
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Life Jackets: Ensure kids have the right sized life jacket, and it would be wise to have the crew wear life jackets on the way home after the show. For adults, inflatable life jackets will keep you safe without compromising comfort.
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Navigation: Know where any security zones exist. Go slow, post extra lookouts, and don’t make sudden course changes unless necessary. When departing an anchorage pay attention to other vessel’s anchor lines and understand where they lie