The Fourth of July is known for Americans celebrating the United States’ independence with fireworks and cookouts, but according to the nationwide TowBoatUS on-water towing fleet, the period beginning days before and ending days after the holiday is also the busiest time of the year for the country’s recreational boat owners. It also might be the longest time many boaters will spend the day on the water at anchor, enjoying fireworks shows, fishing holes and raft-ups. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is providing four tips to help boaters spend the holiday period safely at anchor.
The first tip is to be “anchor smart.” Boaters will need to be certain their anchoring gear meets the standards and the bitter end is secured. Once a celebration spot is found and the anchor is set, boaters will need to make sure enough scope is let out for the depth and predicted weather conditions. Show courtesy if the area gets crowded.
The foundation is also advising of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators give boaters the “creature comforts” they want, but they shouldn’t be running if swimmers are in the water at the back of the boat. It’s where exhaust ports are often located.
The third tip is to be mindful of stressors including noise, vibration, the sun, the wind, waves and other motion. Research from the U.S. Coast Guard reportedly shows four hours of exposure to these stressors can produce fatigue, or “boater’s hypnosis,” slowing reaction time almost as much as if a boater was legally drunk. The addition of alcohol can make it worse.
The final tip is to get home safely. Before departing an anchorage, avoid turning the engine on until everyone is back on the boat and the ladder is up. If a boat is leaving a fireworks show, it may be better to wait a few minutes for everyone to clear out and give a chance for wakes to subside before departing. Everyone aboard should act as a lookout, and do not take a shortcut home after dark.
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