July 4 may spell trouble for unprepared boaters

LYNN – Hundreds of boaters will watch fireworks displays in Lynn, Swampscott, Nahant and other coastal locations on or about July 4, but not all with make it home without trouble.According to TowBoat U.S. and Sea Tow, two of the larger boat towing companies, as soon as the fireworks are over, the call center switchboards light up with requests for assistance.Mostly, the calls are from boaters needing jump starts after running electronics all day, including sound systems, fans and other appliances, and failing to monitor battery levels.Since July 4 is the nation’s busiest boating holiday, BoatU.S. experts suggest following a few common-sense tips to make it less troublesome. For example, a full day in the sun increases the effects of alcohol on the body. Better to wait until you’re safely lashed to the dock before imbibing.Check the weather reports, particularly those broadcast by NOAA, for pending storms. Bring plenty of water and a VHF radio.When running the engine, check the battery charge needle. If rafting up with other boats, don’t run the engine when swimmers are in the water or near exhaust pipes. Although the engine may not be in gear, propellers can still rotate, and exhaust can generate odorless, colorless carbon monoxide, which can quickly overcome swimmers.Trailers with flat tires are also big on the list of boater problems on July 4. Check tire pressure and inspect bearings before hitching up the trailer for a road trip.Overloading a boat with passengers can lead to capsizing. Falling overboard accounts for half of all boating fatalities. Heavily-loaded vessels, especially those designed like bass boats that sit low in the water, are more susceptible to swamping from weather or wake action. Remember, there’s likely to be lots of boating traffic in the best fireworks viewing areas.Wear life jackets. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 87 percent were not wearing life jackets.Follow the rules of the road. Pass port to port. Keep an eye on the red and green navigation lights on other boats after dark.Be patient at boat ramps and in parking lots. Take your time when heading home since lots of boats will make a mad dash after the show, and collisions can result. Keep your speed down. Post a lookout. Bring a spotlight. Try not to run over anyone’s anchor line. Have a good time and celebrate the nation’s birthday.