For Immediate Release

Date: June 23, 2005

Busiest Boating Weekend Is Upon Us

Independence Day weekend is traditionally the busiest boating weekend of the year. “It’s a combination of great weather and a festive holiday that draws people out in crowds,” says Jyll Smith of the Oregon State Marine Board. “We hope everyone enjoys it and that they are safe.”

According to the Marine Board the most common problems are the bumps and scrapes that occur in crowded waters. "We see a high number of property damage accidents during the July 4th weekend,” says Smith.

Many boaters enjoy watching the July 4th fireworks from their boats. Boaters need to make sure their navigation lights work and use them between sunset and sunrise as well as keep a sharp lookout when operating in crowded waters. Smith offers these basic reminders.

• Always wear a life jacket. Each person onboard must have easy access to an appropriately sized life jacket and youth 12 and younger must wear theirs. Several tragic swimming accidents in the recent weeks have shown that even the strongest swimmers should be wearing a life jacket while swimming or boating. Even at the peak of summer, Oregon’s waters are cold and the currents are often stronger than they appear.

• Alcohol is involved in 30 percent of Oregon’s boating fatalities. Intoxicated passengers are as likely to die or be injured in boating accidents as intoxicated operators. Leave the alcohol at home.

• Maintain a constant lookout for other boats. When pulling a skier, boarder or tuber, boats must have a separate operator and spotter.

• Always shut off the motor when a person is climbing from the water into the boat. Many propellers continue to spin when the motor is in neutral.

• Lighting fireworks from your boat is dangerous- don’t do it.

“The water conditions have turned out to be much better than expected and we want people to get out and make wonderful memories of summertime fun on the water,” Smith expressed. “We want people to get out, enjoy the water and use common sense.”

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