As New York City heads into the hot weekend, it's important to keep in mind safety tips for those planning to
take a dip in the water or set sail in this heat wave.
The U.S. Coast Guard and boating educators say to those going out on the water before sunrise or after sunset, make sure to navigate slower than normal and to keep a strong flashlight as well as a radio on board. Also, at all times of the day or night, wear a life jacket.
The Coast guard reported more than 3,000 injuries and 700 deaths from boating accidents in 2020.
It’s still recommended to avoid taking the boat out during the hottest parts of the day, usually from around 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experts say it's also important to stay hydrated while out in the heat and onboard a boat, especially if you're planning to drink alcohol. Keep in mind - it's illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated because alcohol is a contributing factor to many boating accidents.
Passengers onboard should drink lots of water, especially if they are consuming alcohol because it can also worsen the effects of the heat.
Sunscreen is always a must and should be applied at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun.