Boating Safety Tips For 4th Of July Weekend On Lake Erie

CLEVELAND — Taking the boat out for a ride on Lake Erie has become among the most fun and peaceful ways to celebrate the 4th of July in northern Ohio, with boat outings already in the works for the holiday in 2021.

But with hundreds of thousands of people becoming first-time boat owners during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Water Sports Foundation, there may still be some inexperience on the waters of Lake Erie this upcoming holiday weekend.

About 70 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no safety instruction, according to 2019 statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard. Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol use ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

Here’s what to know before getting on a boat on Lake Erie:

Get Educated: Boating safety education “has never been more accessible,” according to the Water Sports Foundation. The foundation has shared instructional resources, including boating safety classes available both in the classroom and in the water.

Wear A Life Jacket: Drowning is responsible for 79 percent of fatal boating accidents where the cause of death was known, according to the Water Sports Foundation. About 86 percent of those victims were not wearing life jackets. Be sure you have life jackets for all passengers on board and that they are sized to fit.

Boat Sober: It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties for boating under the influence can range from fines to serious jail time, according to the Coast Guard.

Know The Weather: Know the forecast before you head out. Be sure to download a weather app on your phone and keep tabs on it regularly. If the weather turns severe, do not stay on the water — find shelter as soon as possible.

Choose Destinations Wisely: If you’re new to boating, you might want to avoid setting sail on one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. However, if you insist on spending the 4th of July weekend on the water, head for less-crowded areas and avoid popular beaches and congested venues.