LUCAS COUNTY, Ohio —
With beautiful weather ahead, many of you might be planning on spending this holiday weekend out on the water. Because July 4 will land on a Saturday, many will likely be eager to go out boating to celebrate.
The US Coast Guard wants to remind everybody the fundamental rules of boating.
"Boating is just the same way as driving a car. There's a legal limit for every state, same thing with boating. Like a car you don't wanna be over the legal limit, driving you don't want to drive impaired, it's just as dangerous as driving a motor vehicle impaired," said Tanner Sanford, US Coast Guard boarding team member.
Just last year, the US Coast Guard had to take 560 impaired boaters off the waterways nationwide.
“That was last year alone and I know this year it's probably gonna be even worse, just because everyone's eager to get out to enjoy the rest of the summer they have. Anyone that's impaired or operating their vessel in a negligent way, we're gonna be standing by for any search and rescue that may pop off. We're gonna be out there all weekend making sure everyone stays safe," added Sanford.
Before you get on a boat, you should create a safety checklist, including plenty of water to stay hydrated, a radio to help communicate as you may lose cell service out on the water and of course, life jackets.
"Make sure you have the proper number of life jackets for everyone on board and an easily accessible throwing device, like a throw-able life jacket basically. Make sure you have flares if you're going out more than 2 miles offshore and if you're gonna be out after dusk. And make sure you have the proper amount of fire extinguishers on your boat to mitigate any possible fires or any other emergencies," said Sanford.
If an accident were to happen you can hail the Coast Guard to your vessel on channel 16 through your radio or you can download the US Coast Guard app and request an emergency broadcast which will allow the US Coast Guard to know exactly where your boat is located.