Boat Smart This July 4th

Holiday Heat & Heavy Boating Traffic

You know it’s going to be a scorcher this summer when NOAA, the Weather Channel, and even the Farmer’s Almanac all agree. And if you're a boater, that means more than just slathering on the sunscreen. For the July 4th weekend, one of the busiest times of year on the water, you'll need to prepare for more than just the heat.

Thousands of boaters will be out celebrating, which means traffic on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters will skyrocket. It’s also when TowBoatUS, the nation’s largest on-water towing service, gets flooded with calls. They expect to handle over 2,500 assistance requests during the long weekend alone—things like engine trouble, dead batteries, fuel runs, and boats stuck on sandbars.

According to Chris Dolan, BoatUS Towing Services Manager, “The Fourth is the one time a year almost everyone with a boat hits the water—whether it’s for a beach BBQ or to catch fireworks from the deck.”

Nighttime Breakdowns & Monday Repairs

The chaos tends to peak around 9 p.m.—just after the fireworks shows wrap up. That’s when boaters often realize something’s gone wrong: maybe the battery’s dead, or they’ve misjudged the shoreline in the dark. Expect a wave of calls for help to ripple westward across time zones as the evening wears on.

And it’s not just emergencies. TowBoatUS also sees a rise in dock-to-dock tows right after the holiday—pre-scheduled moves for boats that need repairs. Monday is expected to be a particularly busy day for this kind of service as boat owners discover issues from the weekend festivities.

Pro Tips for a Smooth July 4th on the Water

• Check your boat before you go. Dead batteries and engine troubles are avoidable.
• Pack patience. Launch ramps and channels will be packed, especially after dark.
• Stay alert. Watch your speed and wake, especially around other boats and at night.
• Keep your towing membership current. It’s a small investment that pays off big when you’re stuck miles from home.