Over the course of this July 4th holiday thousands of boaters will be on the water and accidents are bound to happen, says Liz Lodman, Boat Education Coordinator for Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

"Wearing a life jacket might be the best move boaters can make," Lodman says. Lodman reminds all boaters that:

• A U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket is required for each person on board a boat. The life jacket must be in good condition and fit the intended wearer.
• Life jackets must be "readily accessible" so the boat occupants can quickly grab them if needed. The best practice is to wear your life jacket before it is needed.
• Children under 12 year of age must wear their life jacket when aboard a boat under 26 feet in length.
• Life jackets should be worn by anyone who is not a good swimmer and anyone boating on white-water.
• Boaters who are caught in a thunderstorm should don their life jackets and head for the nearest safe shore.