4th of July Boating Game Plan
July is here, and we couldn’t be more excited! For many boaters, it’s exactly what we've been looking forward to all year long (especially after surviving those miserable winter months). Between the weather and long days on the water… it really doesn’t get much better than that.
And sitting right at the center of it all is 4th of July weekend. The main event of summer. I think we can all agree there is no better way to celebrate than by being on the water and wolfing down a hot dog or two (no judgment).
But this year, the nation is turning 250, which means the firework shows will be bigger, the boat parades will be wilder, and the waterways will be PACKED.
We want to make sure your weekend involves more fun with friends and family and fewer calls to us. So, let’s go over a game plan for navigating the inevitable chaos.
Here is what we recommend:
1. Get an Early Start
Don't wait until 2:00 PM to start packing the cooler and heading out. This isn't your average Saturday. Boat ramps, marinas, and fuel docks are going to be crazy, especially the later it gets. We recommend getting out there early to beat the rush. Then, you can get a full day in before the fireworks start.
2. Check Local Notices
Take a minute or two to check the Local Notice to Mariners on the Coast Guard’s website. They have an interactive map that will post any restrictions or special instructions for the weekend. It’s a good resource to check before heading out.
3. Quick Safety Check
We already know you’re busy loading up the coolers, towels, snacks, and water toys, but in the middle of all that fun stuff, it’s easy to forget the basics.
Please take just a few minutes for a quick scan of your safety equipment. You want to confirm that everything necessary is on board and working properly.
Here is your quick pre-flight checklist:
- Life jackets & a throwable device
- Navigation lights
- Fire extinguishers
- Flares & visual distress signals
- Horn
- VHF Marine Radio
- Plenty of fuel
- Solid anchor and dock lines
4. Wear the Life Jacket
We get it. No one wants to wear it. But in a split-second collision, you won’t have time to dig up a dusty vest from storage. We recommend getting some comfortable, more modern ones that you don't mind wearing. And at the very least, make sure there is a vest easily accessible for every single person on board.
5. Appoint a Sober Captain
We can’t emphasize how important this is. Look, we love a cold one on a hot July afternoon as much as anyone. But the combo of the sun and dehydration can turn a minor buzz into full-blown impairment fast.
BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is taken very seriously, and law enforcement will be out in droves this weekend. Pick someone to stay sober and serve as the designated driver.
Check out our Life Jacket Guide for more information.
6. Expect More Inexperienced Boaters
The Fourth is famous for drawing out less frequent boaters. Folks who might only get out once or twice a year, or perhaps those renting a boat for the first time. You may not be able to spot these inexperienced boaters, especially with the heavier-than-usual traffic, so just keep your guard up and give other boats plenty of room.
More Safety Tips for Recreational Boaters
7. Leave the Sparklers at Home
Fiberglass, fumes, and amateur pyrotechnics are really a terrible mix. Bringing your own stash of sparklers onto a boat is just an accident waiting to happen. Please, please, please leave the fireworks to the pros out on the barges.
8. Have a Plan Post Fireworks
The most chaotic 20 minutes of the entire day happen right after the fireworks are over. Hundreds of boats immediately gun it for the ramps and marinas at the exact same time. And now it’s dark.
Check that your navigation lights are working before you head out. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a flashlight handy.
And don’t feel pressured to rush back if you aren’t 100% confident navigating in the dark. Wait an extra 20 or 30 minutes for the crowd to thin out.
