The 4th of July is a great time to go boating with your family and friends. It’s also one of the most popular days for boating, so it’s important to be prepared and alert. In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know to stay safe, have fun, and get the most out of your Independence Day on the water.
Safety First
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has put out a list of seven safety measures for boaters to take on the 4th of July, since more than ⅓ of all boating-related accidents and fatalities happen on July 4th, Labor Day, and/or Memorial Day. These safety measures include things like:
- Wearing a life jacket at all times
- Leaving a float plan with a trusted friend who can be ready to take action if they don’t hear from you by a reasonable time
- Ensuring that the driver stays sober and everyone on board is aware of emergency procedures
It’s important to make sure you have taken proper safety precautions ahead of time to ensure that you and your boat are in the best condition to be out and about on the water and that you are prepared for any emergency.
Be especially cautious if you choose a spot with lots of other people on the water at the same time. And you’ll want to have plenty of light if you plan to be out after dark.
Finally, you’ll also want to be prepared for the sun. If you plan to be out on the water for hours, bring plenty of sunscreen, and remember to re-apply often. Shield your face and head with a hat and sunglasses, and make sure to have a first-aid kit on board as well.
Planning Ahead
July 4th is one of the busiest boating days of the year, so be prepared to navigate crowds. And if you plan to engage in water activities like skiing, wakeboarding, etc., you’ll need to be aware and cautious of others in the same area.
Plan to bring at least some snacks with you on the boat, even if you’re going to be barbecuing or picnicking somewhere on land later. Or, if you want to be on the water all day and have cooking equipment on board, you can try out some easy, one-pot recipes that don’t take a lot of time to prepare.
4th of July Activities
There are plenty of activities you can take part in on the 4th. Pack your day with action and fun, or just kick back and relax — the choice is yours.
Decorate Your Boat
Whether you want to join a local boat parade or just enjoy being festive, the 4th of July is a great time to go all-out on the decorations. Fly your flags, blast your favorite July 4th tunes, and have fun decking your boat out for the big day.
Play Games or Water Sports
Spend some time in the water as well as on it. You can bring your own equipment such as water skis, wakeboards, etc., or rent them, but — again — always be aware of the other people around you.
For a break from boating, you can stop on the beach or sandbar for some games — like our horseshoe set designed to be used around water without rusting.
Watch the Fireworks
While it may be tempting to set off your own fireworks from your boat, this is never a good idea. It’s very easy for sparks to land and ignite. Stick to watching local fireworks shows from a safe distance. Here is a list of the best locations for watching local fireworks from your boat.
Stay Safe and Have Fun on July 4th
The 4th of July is a favorite boating day for many reasons, and it’s an excellent occasion for some extra time on the water. However you choose to celebrate this year, remember to take proper precautions, be considerate of others’ activities, and enjoy the holiday!
