Tips to Help You Stay Alive This Busy and Often Deadly 4th of July Holiday

Partly because of my age, partly because I'm chicken, and partly because I know what routinely happens on the nation's waterways this 4th of July weekend, my Skeeter and I will be taking a break. As I see it, that's my best bet of living to see another fishing day, and the good Lord only knows that's my daily prayer.

When you consider that the 4th of July, along with Memorial Day and Labor Day, typically account for more than one-third of all boating-related accidents and fatalities, I think you'll understand why I choose to quietly sit these events out each year.

However, I realize there are large numbers who don't hesitate to hit the waterways. So, for you, let me offer these tips, provided courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:

     * Always wear a life jacket. Accidents happen quickly, and often there isn't time to put on a life jacket once an accident has happened. Statistics consistently show that 80 percent of those who perish in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

     * Make sure your boat is properly equipped and that required equipment is functioning properly. Make sure your navigation lights work if you plan to be on the water before sunrise and/or after dark.

     * Be prepared for emergencies. Take time to familiarize everyone onboard with basic emergency procedures, and ensure they know how to contact authorities by marine radio or cellphone. If you boat in an area that requires flares, make sure they are up to date. NEVER use flares as a form of fireworks. Doing so constitutes a false distress call, which is a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines, plus the cost associated with the false distress.

     * Boating and alcohol don't mix. Along with decreasing the operator's ability to make good judgments, the consumption of alcohol also negatively affects the ability of passengers to respond in case of an emergency on the water. The effects of the sun, wind, waves, and a boat's motion in the water can add up to an operator's impairment. Intoxicated boaters can face both federal and state charges, with penalties of up to one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

     * File a float plan with a friend who will be staying ashore. List everyone who is going with you, where you're going, what the boat looks like, and when you expect to be back. Instruct the friend whom you leave the plan with on what to do if they don't hear from you within a reasonable time of when you expect to return home.

     * Keep a sharp lookout for other boats, the weather, or anything that is unusual. Report any emergencies to local authorities by calling 9-1-1, or using VHF-FM channel 16. Any suspicious activity that might involve terrorism should be reported to America's Waterway Watch at 877-24-WATCH.

   * Practice the 3 Cs: caution, courtesy and common sense. Use caution, especially in close-quarter-maneuvering situations with other boats. In these situations, slow speeds are better. Be courteous to your fellow boaters, and use common sense. Don't cut people off at the launch ramp, and never light fireworks from your boat.

     * And last but certainly not least, if you're a Virginia resident, make sure you have your Boater Education Card with you this weekend. As of today, you must (regardless of age) have one of these cards to operate any motorboat of 10 hp or greater and/or any personal watercraft on public waters in Virginia. The fine for not having one is $100.

By following these simple tips, you could save your own life or that of one or more passengers.