It's officially summer in CNY and many of us have already been out on the water, but with the 4th of July coming up it's important to remember to boat safely.

The 4th of July is the highest boating-traffic time of the summer and of course the DEC will be out on most lakes looking to make sure you're following safety rules and other boating laws.

These simple tips should help you avoid tickets, fines and most importantly keep you and your passengers safe while you enjoy the water.

Always wear a life jacket

Drowning is the reported cause of death in 76 percent of all boating fatalities – and 84.5% percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2017.

Boaters should wear a properly fitted life jacket in good condition at all times while boating.

Use an engine cut-off device

An engine cut-off device is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard. In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 172 accidents in which at least one person was struck by a propeller.

These accidents resulted in 31 deaths and 162 injuries, all of which could be prevented if the boat operator was wearing an engine cutoff device.

Never boat under the influence

Boating under the influence, or BUI, is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. The side effects of alcohol or drug use, such as impaired judgment, reduced balance and poor coordination, are magnified while boating.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, a partner of the Safe Boating Campaign, is coordinating the 10th annual Operation Dry Water from June 30-July 2 in every U.S. state and territory to raise awareness about BUI dangers.

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