The July 4 weekend is traditionally one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. It can also mark a big weekend for accidents. Accident risks multiply at busy times such as July 4 weekend, when recreational boating increases on popular lakes and rivers.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section will be working extended shifts and targeting areas where violations result in higher risk of accident involvement. The chance of being involved in an accident cannot be completely alleviated but can be reduced by using good judgment, courtesy, common sense and knowledge and obedience of boating safety laws.

“Boat operators need to recognize that factors such as speed, recklessness and impaired operation can create a deadly combination,” says Col. David Murphy, DNR Law Enforcement Section Chief. “The added combination of wind, sun, noise, vibration and the motion of the water all intensify the effects of alcohol and drugs, compounding danger. It is extremely important to remember to always have a designated sober driver.”

Here are a few safety tips.

- Wear a life jacket. Two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drown, 90 percent of the victims were not wearing life jackets.

- Don’t drink and boat. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents, accounting for nearly twenty 20 percent of all reported fatalities.

- Watch your speed. With increased speed comes less reaction time when confronted with near miss/hit situations.

- Attach your emergency ignition safety switch lanyard to yourself in the event of a fall overboard. This will shut the engine off and prevent the vessel from circling back on you.

- Avoid congested areas and don’t jump wakes.

- Keep a sharp lookout and steer well clear of other craft.

- Don’t overload your boat.

- Know before you go. Operators should be familiar with the laws and safe boating practices prior to getting on the water. Getting a weather forecast before leaving the dock and watching current conditions as they may develop will assist boaters in avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

- Attend a Boating Education Class. Seventy percent of reported fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instructions. Information on Boating Education Online Classes can be located on the web, see the link below, or contact your local DNR District Office for boating safety class dates and locations.