How Boaters Can Steer Clear Of Trouble
At
America's Best Harbors For July 4th Fireworks!
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 30, 2009 - Boat Owners Association of The United States
(BoatU.S.) has surveyed its nationwide towboat fleet and reveals its
recommendations for boaters on how to stay out of trouble when viewing crowded
July 4th Fireworks displays. Across the nation nearly 5,000 boaters are expected
to request some type of on-the-water assistance this holiday weekend.
Included are tips on local hazards and common problems learned from years of
responding to boater's requests for on-the-water assistance on recreational
boating's heaviest traffic day of the year. Also offered is a "Lessons Learned"
section, with five smart July 4th boating tips from the BoatU.S. Foundation for
Boating Safety.
Here's what the fleet says:
South:
Bayside Market Place, Downtown Miami, FL: Capt. Cory Offutt of TowBoatU.S. Key
Biscayne says the Bayside fireworks show draws hundreds of vessels, but boaters
should be prepared for significant changes in weather, and also advises to fill
up early as fuel docks close at 6:00pm in Miami. He also suggests taking it slow
on the way home and to not take shortcuts.
Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, FL: With four major local fireworks displays, Capt Jay
McMillin of TowBoatU.S. Cape Coral reports that fuel drop offs for out of gas
boats are a common request for assistance.
Fisherman's Village Marina, Matlacha Bridge Anchorage, FL: Capt. Jerry Smith of
TowBoatU.S. Charlotte Harbor says inattentive operators, sometimes combined with
alcohol consumption are a concern.
Clearwater, Gulfport, St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa, FL: Capt. Larry Tieman
of TowBoatU.S. Tampa Bay advises boaters to watch the falling tide which could
lead to shallow water groundings in places, and ensure the battery stays
charged.
Sarasota / Bradenton, FL: Marina Jack's in Sarasota, Siesta Key and Bradenton
are the area's best fireworks. A mix of alcohol and shallow water can get
boaters into trouble here, says Capt. Jack Black of TowBoatU.S. Sarasota.
Downtown Pensacola - Escambia Bay, FL: Capt. Kathy McLean of TowBoatU.S.
Pensacola reports running out of gas and dead batteries are her most common
requests for assistance on the July 4th holiday weekend.
Jekyll and St. Simons Islands, GA: Capt. Doug Schultz of TowBoatU.S. Brunswick
says navigating the ICW at night in heavy traffic is a concern.
Manteo Waterfront / ShallowBag Bay, NC: Capt. Harry Schiffman of TowBoatU.S.
Oregon Inlet says boater turnout at this fireworks show is very weather
sensitive, and says some inexperienced or intoxicated boaters get into trouble
attempting to return to Collington Harbor.
Central:
Maumee Bay, OH: Capt. Vern Meinke of TowBoatU.S. South Shore says that when the
fireworks show ends, his switchboard rings off the hook, mostly from boats
needing battery jumps as well as for help with de-tangling anchor lines in the
extremely small and tightly packed fireworks anchoring area.
Chicago, IL; Michigan City and New Buffalo, MI: Capt. Jack Manley of TowBoatU.S.
Chicago advises to keep an eye on fuel-hungry generators as well as battery
charge levels, but alcohol and excessive speed after dark are safety issues.
Saginaw River, Bay City, MI: In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, July 4th is the day
that many boats hit the water for the first time of the season, says Capt. Gary
Poirier of TowBoatU.S. Saginaw Bay. However, incomplete spring commissioning is
a problem that leads to breakdowns or dead batteries, especially after spending
a few hours in the anchorage running electronics awaiting the start of the show.
Lake of The Ozarks, MO: Capt. Charlie Meyer of TowBoatU.S. Lake of The Ozarks
reports at least six major displays, and advises the boat wakes are an issue,
especially at night when visibility is low and large waves can suddenly appear.
Large cruisers can swamp small vessels with poor weight distribution.
Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, TX: Capt. Dave Huston of TowBoatU.S. Clear Lake
says boat traffic congestion on July 4th is an issue on such a small lake that's
home to hundreds of boats.
East:
Boston Harbor, MA: "The best fireworks in the country," says Capt. Mike Goodrich
of TowBoatU.S. Newburyport. However, plan on spending the night after the show
ends as the entrance to the Charles River closes and all lock traffic is
outbound only.
Bristol, RI: Claimed to be the oldest continuous fireworks celebration of its
kind (started in 1785), Capt. John Andrews of TowBoatU.S. Narragansett Bay says
boaters can enjoy the show a little too much and advises that alcohol can be an
issue, along with inexperience of operating at night in narrow channels under
heavy traffic conditions.
Great Gun Beach / Smiths Point, Long Island, NY: Capt. Bob Jacoby of TowBoatU.S.
Shinnecock/Moriches says shoaling in the fireworks viewing area is a problem,
and he advises taking it very slowly in case you accidentally contact the soft
bottom.
Cape May, NJ: Capt. Benny Campanile of TowBoatU.S. Cape May reports the boaters'
viewing area next to the Cape May Ferry is great, but sticking to marked
channels will ensure a safe cruise home. His biggest request for assistance is
from boaters who tried to take a shortcut home after the show and end up
grounding.
Solomons Island, MD: Capt. Mike Shaw of TowBoatU.S. Solomons says boaters going
from very dark Chesapeake Bay to bright, well-lit conditions at the mouth the
Patuxent River can cause night vision troubles, and also advises it's best that
boat operators refrain from alcohol.
Washington, DC: In the nation's capital, Capt. Terry Hill of TowBoatU.S.
Alexandria says anchoring with too short a scope when a storm rolls through,
running the refrigerator and draining the battery, and non-working navigational
lights are issues. He also cautions boaters need to plan for fuel as marinas
close before dark. While the National Mall fireworks show that's a "must" to see
by water, those boaters who don't enjoy running at night under "intense" traffic
conditions may want to consider other options.
West:
Mission Bay, San Diego, CA: It's a partying mood on Mission Bay, says Capt.
Robert Butler of Vessel Assist San Diego, but cautions that playing music all
day often leads to calls for help with jumpstarting dead batteries.
Newport Beach Harbor, CA: Vessel Assist Newport Beach's Capt. David LaMontagne
says the Newport Harbor Back Bay is a great spot to see up to four or five
separate fireworks displays, including Catalina's if the night is clear.
However, he advises not taking shortcuts through the harbor's densely-packed
mooring fields as boaters cannot see mooring lines well and can easily entangle
a prop.
Mandeville Island, CA: In the California Delta on the San Joaquin River the
Hilton fireworks are renowned. Thousands of boaters start anchoring weeks in
advance in the viewing area. Capt. Dave Delano of Vessel Assist San Francisco
says occasional strong winds can cause boats to drag at anchor, so he cautions
to ensure it is correctly set, or set additional anchors -- especially if
several boats are rafted up.
Fort Worden waterfront, Port Townsend, WA: Capt. Roger Slade of Vessel Assist
Port Townsend cautions to take it slow because the anchoring viewing area is
quite small and is loaded with anchor lines, leading to entanglements.
Any Lessons Learned?
So what does this all mean for boaters? Here are Five Lessons Learned about July
4th boating from the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety:
1. Plan Ahead: Ensure you have enough fuel; make sure all navigation lights and
hand held spotlights are in working order. It's a good idea to check the engine
and mechanicals, such as fan belts, battery connections, fuel filters and engine
fluids ahead of time. Don't invite more guests aboard than your vessel can
safely handle. Keep an ear to the weather forecast on VHF radio.
2. Avoid Alcohol: Combined with the effects of a hot sunny day, alcohol will
leave an operator impaired when they can least afford it - navigating at night
in heavy boating traffic. It's okay to party - just save it until after you've
put the boat to bed and you're back at the dock, homeport or beach (dry land).
The captain is also ultimately responsible for everyone's safety aboard.
3. Life Jackets: Ensure kids have the right sized life jacket, and it would be
wise to have the crew wear life jackets on the way home after the show. (click
here to borrow a kid's life jacket for free). For adults, inflatable life
jackets will keep you safe without compromising comfort.
4. Navigation: Know where any security zones exist. Go slow, post extra
lookouts, and don't make sudden course changes unless necessary. When departing
an anchorage pay attention to other vessel's anchor lines and understand where
they lie just below the water's surface. Never take a shortcut home after dark.
5. Chill: Don't let crowded harbors or long boat ramp lines get you down. Simply
prepare for a wonderful evening of fireworks, knowing it will take you a while
to get safely home. Having lots of patience and giving lots of courtesy will
make it memorable.
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