BOSTON – The Fourth of July holiday is not only the busiest boating period of the year, but it also holds the distinction of being the deadliest, both nationwide and here in the Northeast’s First Coast Guard District. 

Since 1998, 39 recreational boating and paddling fatalities have occurred on waters throughout the Northeast.

“The Fourth of July holiday has become the most deadly boating and paddling holiday of the year,” reports Al Johnson, recreational boating safety specialist for the First Coast Guard District.  “And this year the Coast Guard is asking all boaters and paddlers to maximize their safety efforts and be aware, be alert and, above all, stay alive.”

The contributing factors that led to fatalities included falling overboard, vessels capsizing, and vessel collisions. In these accidents 15 people died as a result of falling overboard, 13 people died after their vessel capsized and collisions claimed 11 lives. Fifteen lives were lost due to alcohol.

Statistics in the northeast indicate that an average of 50 victims have died each year in recreational boating and paddling accidents over the past 12 years, and 89 percent of these were not wearing a life jacket.

“Your life jacket is your key to survival on the water,” said Johnson. “When you need it you need it on.”

During the Fourth of July weekend, the national average of 21 percent jumps to 46 percent in the Northeast for fatal boating accidents involving alcohol.

This past weekend the Coast Guard and state agencies launched Operation Dry Water, a national event to specifically target alcohol abuse on the water.

Johnson advises all boaters and paddlers on the water this Fourth of July weekend to be prudent mariners, to save the alcohol for when the trip is completed and to make safety their number one priority.

“As captain of your vessel, you’re in command, and awareness is the key ingredient,” said Johnson. “You can relax and enjoy your time on the water, but be alert and aware of what’s going on around you as well as the proximity of other vessels.”

“Additionally, boaters must also be aware of what can go wrong and be prepared for a sudden crisis,” said Johnson.  “Make sure you’re prepared for emergencies.  The safety of your passengers and yourself is at stake and should be your paramount concern.”

Johnson also stresses that the best insurance for surviving sudden on-water emergencies is simply wearing a life jacket.  There are a wide variety of comfortable, Coast Guard-approved life jackets available for whatever water sport you practice.

“Your chance for survival usually comes down to one thing; having your life jacket on when you need it,” said Johnson.  “The misperception persists that you can put on a life jacket once you’re in the water.  It is extremely difficult to do, and unfortunately for most people immobilized by the shock of sudden immersion, it can be tragically impossible.”

Johnson recommends that all boaters and paddlers should:

•               Be aware of present weather and water conditions and forecasts.

•               Never boat or paddle alone; let others know where you’re going, when you’ll

                return and who to call if you don’t.

•               Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.

•               Practice prudent seamanship – boaters should not exceed their own ability.

•               Know that alcohol and drugs contribute to accidents.

•               Take a Coast Guard approved boater education course.

“It’s the responsibility of all who use our waterways to boat and paddle sober, sanely and safely,” said Johnson.  “Your life and the lives of family and friends depend on it.  Enjoy the holiday.  Boat smart!  Paddle smart!”