Boating safety for July 4th

July 3, 10:26 AMCleveland Boating ExaminerSandy Woodthorpe

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Boating safety is important at all times. It's especially so on busy boating weekends such as the Fourth of July.   Be sure you have the required safety gear on board and that everything is in working order. Understanding Ohio's boating laws and navigational rules is essential to preventing accidents. You can make your own vessel safety check, or request one by email.

Particularly if the weather conditions are good, you can expect lake and river traffic to be heavy during the day and very crowded for fireworks displays. People tend to focus on having fun, sometimes at the expense of good judgment and this is more apt to happen on holidays.

These public safety agencies will be on the water this weekend:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft

Lake County Sheriff's Department, Marine Patrol

United States Coast Guard

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

Fireworks displays: Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras  (Sunday, July 5th);  All Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga county displays.

When in Fairport, be sure to visit the Fairport Lighthouse Museum.

For more info:  Helpful boating safety tips and checklists: Boat U.S.; boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/spring09checklist.htm; Boat U.S. safety course on line.