(Manassas, VA, Tuesday, June 25, 2019) – High-boating traffic is expected this July 4th as thousands of boaters will be out on the water with family and friends.

Yvonne Pentz, communications director of the National Safe Boating Council, the lead organization for the annual Safe Boating Campaign, says boaters should be focused on safety and always wear a life jacket.

SOUNDBITE #1:

THE JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY IS A GREAT TIME TO CELEBRATE OUR FREEDOM WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE ENJOYING A SAFE BOATING EXPERIENCE. IT’S EASY FOR BOATERS TO GET WHAT WE REFER TO AS ‘VACATION BRAIN’ AND LET SAFETY TAKE A BACKSEAT. REMEMBER, ALWAYS WEAR A U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVED LIFE JACKET AND NEVER BOAT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.

SOUNDBITE #2:

THE BEST BOATING EXPERIENCE IS A SAFE BOATING EXPERIENCE. FIRST, ALWAYS WEAR A U.S. COAST GUARD-APPROVED LIFE JACKET, JUST LIKE WEARING A SEAT BELT IN A CAR. SECOND, NEVER BOAT UNDER THE INFLUENCE – ALCOHOL IS THE TOP CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN RECREATIONAL BOATING ACCIDENTS. AND THIRD, IF IN A MOTOR BOAT OR PERSONAL WATERCRAFT, ALWAYS USE AN ENGINE CUT-OFF DEVICE. THIS WILL, KEEP THE OPERATOR AND OTHERS SAFE FROM PROPELLER STRIKES.

Boat responsibly and always wear a life jacket. For more tips from the Safe Boating Campaign, visit safeboatingcampaign.com.