The Independence Day weekend will encourage an increase of vessel traffic on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds boaters to follow safe boating practices.

Each boat should have:

• A personal flotation device on the vessel for each person, sized accordingly. Children under 13 are required by law to wear a life jacket.

• Immersion suits or other full-body protection, as water temperatures will be cold, and hypothermia can quickly overtake the average person.

• Flares and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon with 406 MHz capabilities.

• An operational marine VHF radio to contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16, in the event of an emergency. Due to the high mountainous areas throughout the region, boaters should not rely on their cell phones as a means of communication.

• A GPS unit or, at a minimum, someone with knowledge of local waters who is aware of the location at all times.

All boaters should:

• File a float plan with a friend or family member on land, with an approximate time of return and the location to which you will be heading.

• Check in regularly with those who are aware of your plan, especially if plans change.

• Check current and forecast weather conditions before getting under way, and remain aware of changing conditions once on the water. The National Weather Service broadcasts weather conditions throughout the day on VHF Channel WX2. The Coast Guard broadcasts weather conditions on VHF Channel 22A at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service has current weather information and advisories at www.nws.noaa.gov/om/ marine/zone/west/mtrmz.htm.

• Never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol. It is against the law. Consumption of alcohol by anyone else aboard is also strongly discouraged.

• Before taking to the water, go to http://uscgboating.org for more complete information on safe boating.

• Get a free vessel-safety inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. For information, go to www.vesselsafetycheck.org.

Source: U.S. Coast Guard

With warm days predicted for the holiday weekend, people may include water in their recreation plans. Here are some tips for making sure everyone stays safe.

• Wear a life jacket.

• Monitor your alcohol intake.

• Be responsible for your boat and the people you bring aboard it. There should be a personal flotation device on the vessel for each person, sized accordingly.

• Remember that the water can be piercingly cold and can incapacitate swimmers.

• Watch your footing when wading in the water. The Sacramento and American rivers each has an uneven bottom.

• Know what you're getting into. Never swim in an area that does not have a lifeguard. Check with local officials to see how currents are flowing. Learn how to spot dangerous currents.

• Know when you've had too much. Don't get too cold or too far from safety, get too much sun, or do too much strenuous activity while in and around the water.

• At pool gatherings, designate an adult to watch the children swim or play in the water. Never leave a child unattended in a pool, even for a moment.

• Be equipped before entering the water. Keep basic lifesaving equipment by residential pools and know how to use it.

• Learn first aid and CPR skills. Insist that baby sitters, grandparents and others who care for your children learn first aid and CPR. Keep CPR instructions in plain sight.

LIFE JACKETS

Here are some locations to get a life jacket on brief loan:

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District stations:

• 7950 California Ave., Fair Oaks.

• 7210 Murieta Drive, Rancho Murieta.

• 10595 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova.

• 12395 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova.

• 11201 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova.

• 1432 Eastern Ave.

Sacramento Fire Department stations:

• 731 Broadway.

• 5990 H St.

• 785 Florin Road.

• 1591 Newborough Drive.

• 3301 Julliard Drive.

Folsom Fire Department station:

• 535 Glenn Drive, Folsom. Source: Bee research