Date: July 3, 2008
Contact: Al Johnson
(617) 223-8464

The Fourth of July holiday is not only the busiest boating period of the year, but it also holds the tragic distinction of being the deadliest, both nationwide and in the Northeast.

Over the past 10 Independence Day holidays, 38 fatalities occurred on waters throughout the Northeast's First Coast Guard District. 

"The three factors in these fatal events involved falling overboard, vessels capsizing, and collisions," said Al Johnson, recreational boating specialist for the First Coast Guard District.  "Alcohol was involved in 13 events that claimed 16 lives." 

 "Alcohol has been involved in 42% of our Fourth of July holiday fatalities," Johnson said. "It impairs your ability to operate a vehicle or a vessel.  If alcohol is going to be a part of your celebration of our country's independence, be responsible, stay off the road and stay off the water."

The best insurance for surviving most sudden water emergencies is to wear a life jacket.  There are a wide variety of comfortable, Coast Guard-approved life jackets available.  Johnson stresses that it is not just important to have a lifejacket for each passenger aboard the watercraft, but to set the example and have it on at all times while on the water.

"Whether you're captain of your vessel or a passenger, awareness is the key ingredient for this holiday period," said Johnson.  "You can relax and enjoy your time on the water, but be aware of what's going on around you, the status of your vessel and passengers, as well as the proximity of other vessels - be prepared." 

### U.S. Coast Guard: Saving Lives Since 1790 ###

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