Tips to boating safely during 4th of July weekend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Fourth of July holiday weekend means extra boaters will be hitting Northeast Florida lakes, rivers and beaches to cool off. Law enforcement will also be out patrolling to make sure everyone is protected and adhering to the law.

After soaking in the sunshine during the day and catching fireworks at night, there are a lot of reasons to hit the water. However, experts said that too many boats on the water require boaters to be extra careful to avoid any incidents.

Boating is a great pastime, but it comes with its risks. Two Jacksonville-area women died in accidents in the past two weeks.

On June 15, a woman was killed after a boat she was on crashed into a dock in Black Creek. On Tuesday, another woman died after she fell out of a motorized canoe. Both are still under investigation.

Lisa Almeida, who owns Freedom Boat Club of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, took News4JAX out to show how she protects herself and her passengers.

“First and foremost, sober skipper — most important thing,” she said. “If you’re going to drink, you need to have somebody that’s going to drive for you.”

Make sure there is at least one life jacket for every person on the boat as well as water and snacks if you break down.

“Everybody should have a first aid kit and just some little tools to make sure you’re safe,” she said, showing water-resistant cases she keeps under her seats.

Also, she said to be aware of your surroundings and designate a first mate to watch for dangers you might not see.

“I have people do it with me all the time,” she noted. “My nephew was on the boat last weekend with me and he goes, ‘Hey do you see that?’ and I say, ‘Hey I got it thank you,’ and I say I will never get angry or upset at someone telling me that something’s going on around me. It can never hurt to have a second pair of eyes.”

Lisa Almeida has never known anything else besides boating.

“Since I was six weeks old actually,” she recalled. “My parents were competitive water skiers. My mom said ‘Hey, we couldn’t quit practicing since you were born,’ and in the boat I went.”

The Water Sports Foundation estimates that there will be around 850,000 first-time boaters this Fourth of July.

The nonprofit shared these tips to maximize boating fun and safety this Fourth of July weekend, and beyond:

Important Basics: Plan Ahead & Be Prepared

• Before launching the boat, conduct a thorough inspection of the vessel and trailer. The local Coast Guard auxiliary or Power Squadron may offer free vessel safety checks.

• Conduct a pre-departure check to make sure all required safety equipment is on board and operational.

• Ensure U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are available for the weight and size of every passenger, especially youngsters. Life jackets save lives!

• Check current weather conditions and forecast and plan accordingly.

• NEVER overload your boat. Check the vessel capacity plate and comply with all weight mandates.

• For boats 26′ or smaller, comply with the new federal law requiring boat operators to wear and engage Emergency Cut-Off Switch (ECOS). This safety lanyard shuts off the engine if the operator falls overboard.

• Be sure you have the correct number of fire extinguishers onboard and that they are fully charged, and easily accessible. Check expiration date to ensure they fall within newly mandated federal requirements.

• Make sure VHF radios, phones and EPIRB transponders work. Consider carrying a portable cell phone battery charger as back-up.

• Pack sunscreen, first-aid kit, basic toolkit and extra food and water.

File a Float Plan

• Create a simple, written plan that includes the names and contact information of all those aboard the boat, along with planned destinations, expected departure and return times.

• Leave the plan on file with marina personnel and/or responsible emergency contacts.

Pre-Departure Crew Communications

• An important and often overlooked boater safety strategy: the captain should always review safe boating protocols and practices with crew and passengers prior to departure, especially when new boaters are aboard.

• This may include instructions for passengers to remain seated when the boat is underway; to keep arms and legs within the vessel; to wear life jackets; and to review pre-appointed assignments such designated observers during watersports activities, etc.

Always Designate a Sober Skipper

• Don’t drink and drive a boat. Boating under the influence is the primary cause of boating-related deaths in the United States.

• Designate someone who takes the pledge to avoid impairment and be responsible for operating the boat and getting everyone back to the dock safely

• Passengers should also minimize alcohol consumption which can impair activity and judgment.

• Besides safeguarding family and friends from the effects and consequences of alcohol use, marine law enforcement will be heavily patrolling waterways and issuing costly citations to those operating vessels under the influence.

Raft-Up Tips for Large Boat Gatherings

• New boaters should avoid navigating in major boating hotspots until you’ve gained more experience.

• If you plan to raft-up with other boating friends, meet in advance to discuss strategies prior to departure so everyone knows the game plan.

• Choose your spot carefully. Remember, if you’re positioned in the center of the action, don’t expect to make a fast or easy getaway.

• As you approach the destination, slow down to idle speed.

• Designated observers should be engaged to look out for anchored and moving boats in your path along with swimmers, paddlers and tubers in the area. Approach carefully.

• Once you’ve selected your location, the largest boat in the fleet should anchor first with appropriate line lengths, along with fenders extended on both sides.

• As the raft-up ensues, consider use of a boat hook to help secure boats together. Once hooked, the captain is free to cut the engine, throw dock lines and connect.

• Where possible, tie off at least two dock lines to each boat’s cleats, preferably at the bow or midship, and one at the stern.

• The same slow and deliberate approach should be taken at departure.

Night Moves & Fireworks

• Novice boaters should avoid operating after sunset, especially when considering the large crowds expected for holiday and fireworks festivities. Experienced boaters should also exercise extra precautions when operating at night.

• Know and comply with approved anchoring locations issued by area marine authorities. Chart your route in advance including positions for navigation markers which may be difficult to see at night. Where possible, deploy GPS electronics to aid in navigation.

• Check in advance to ensure your boat’s running and anchor lights are working. For extra safety, carry a spotlight and flares.

• Give yourself adequate time to reach and/or return to your targeted destination. Due to reduced visibility, travel at slower speeds.

• Be patient and expect delays at busy marinas, boat ramps and docks.

• Keep your boat safely distanced from the fireworks barge, as well as from other boaters.

• NEVER ignite fireworks of any type including sparklers from your boat. Gas fumes from the boat engine could easily ignite.

• Report illegal fireworks activities.

Paddle Safety

• Paddlers should always wear a life jacket. Three-quarters of people who died while paddling in 2019 were not wearing one. Don’t be a statistic—buckle up.

• Dress for the weather and water temperature.

• Know and follow local boating rules.

• Paddlecraft are small so avoid large boats and crowds. See and be seen. Wear bright clothing and keep a whistle in reach (pro tip: clip it to your life jacket).

• Choose your location carefully. Make sure your skill, experience and craft are a match for the waterway you choose.

• Practice re-entering your kayak, canoe or paddleboard from the water.

• Don’t drink alcohol and paddle.

• Share your float plan (see Number 2 above).