4th of July Boat Safety Tips
Here are our best boating tips to stay safe on the water this 4th of July.
Who doesn’t want to spend their 4th of July on the water? Between fireworks, beautiful waterscapes, and the celebratory atmosphere, we wouldn’t want to celebrate anywhere else. Naturally, Independence Day draws boaters all across the country. Before heading out on the Fourth, you’ll want to ensure that all of your ducks are in order for a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are our best boat safety tips for the 4th of July holiday.
Prepare Your Passengers
Before you invite your Fourth of July crew, be sure to check the carrying limits and capabilities of your boat. Ensure you’re keeping in mind passengers who may need boarding accommodations and adhering to the boat’s carrying capacity and weight limit. Ask your guests how comfortable they are on the water. You'll want to ensure that you have the appropriate U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for everyone on board, including lifejackets specifically for children if needed. Bringing a dog? Make sure they have one too! Inform guests of where life jackets and other safety gear, like flares, the medical kit, and fire extinguisher(s), are before heading out. Everyone aboard should know how to use this equipment. Check the weather, have a device aboard that allows you to monitor it throughout your trip. And of course, make sure you have plenty of extra sunscreen on board. Before you head out, make a trip to the gas docks or station. With many boats expected out this weekend, lines will be long.
Make a Float Plan
You will want to ensure your float plan covers everyone that will be on the boat and file it with a trusted friend or your on-water towing association before you leave. Prepping your float plan ahead of time is also important on the Fourth as you’re coordinating with other boats to rendezvous. Given that lots of boaters will be out on Independence Day, knowing where you’re meeting and who else you’ll be floating with cuts down on hassle and offers security. Plan on anchoring in an area where your fleet won’t be under a fireworks show and communicate that no fireworks should be brought aboard the boat.
Coordinate with passengers and your friends at the raft-up to determine who will bring what ahead of time. Pack more than enough water to be sure you’ll have plenty throughout the day and make sure everyone knows what cooler it is in. Underestimating how much your crew will need could send you in early for a variety of reasons. This conversation is a great time to discuss how your crew will handle alcohol on the Fourth and designate a sober driver or skipper, too. Most boating accidents occur over the summer months, particularly on summer holidays, and frequently involve new boaters. Communication is key to safety— making sure everyone aboard knows the float plan and how to operate gear is important in emergency situations.
Monitor Your Boat
Having an accident-free Fourth involves preparing your boat, alongside your crew. Before the Fourth is a perfect time to perform a thorough, mid-season safety check and make sure all electronics and mechanical functions are in operation. Check all systems, from your outboards and anchoring gear to pumps and navigational electronics. Give the VHF a test and charge your phone fully before leaving the docks. VHF radio function can be tested using the FCC-designated channel, VHF Channel 09. All safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and flares should be inspected to make sure they’re up to date and ready for use. Open up your onboard medical kit to see if it needs any replacement supplies before the Fourth. Also, verify that insurance policies and on-water-towing membership coverage are current. All navigational and interior lights should be checked and replaced as necessary. If you’re trailering, test all lights and parts for proper function. Throughout your trip, monitor fuel and battery levels, as well as your phone’s charge. Likewise, keep an eye out for swimmers, paddlers, and PWCs throughout the day. They may not be as easy to spot as other boats but are sure to be out this weekend.
Independence Day is the ultimate boating holiday, so let’s make sure it’s memorable in all the best ways. Not sure where to hit the water? Check out our guide to the Best Fourth of July Boating Destinations.
