Florida is one of the few states that offers this many elaborate
displays over water, allowing spectators to view the celebration from
the comfort of their boat and making for the perfect holiday outing.
There are, however, a few things you should keep in mind before
venturing out for an evening on the water. Rusty Gardner, founder of
Florida By Water, reminds us that although this can be a great boating
experience, safety must always come first. He offers up a few
suggestions:
Make sure that all of your navigation lights are working. It is imperative that other boaters are able to see you in the dark.
It
is very helpful to have a chart plotter or other navigation device on
board when navigating at night. Slow speeds are always better in these
conditions and an extra lookout can be invaluable.
Ensure that you have all of the required safety equipment on board and always wear your life jacket!
Never
drink and boat. As the captain you are responsible for the safety of
everyone on your vessel. With so many boats on the water, the 4th of
July is not a time to take risks.
Be
patient. Boat ramps and waterways will be congested after the
fireworks. Hang around for a few extra minutes after the display and let
the crowds clear out before you head home.
Have a Happy Fourth of July!!!