Have you ever watched the July 4th fireworks from the deck of your boat? What could be better, right? A clear view of the over-the-water fireworks show. A sky filled with colors.
Before you watch the display, you might fire up the grill for hamburgers and hot dogs. Maybe you plan to join the show and fire off a few bottle rockets.
What’s the harm? From personal experience, I can tell you it’s not a good idea.
It was in the late 1990s on the Fourth of July near my homeport of Ventura, California. A friend invited my young son and I aboard his 28-foot center console boat to watch the fireworks in the Channel Islands Harbor.
The fireworks show by the City of Oxnard was great, but a passenger on my friend’s vessel brought sparklers for the children. Bad idea on a boat. The only way to use a lit sparkler even kind of safely is to hang it off the side of the boat.
One of the children held one over the side and fell into the water. She was wearing a life jacket, fortunately, but we had to fish her out, dry her off, and end the night early.
So what are the things to worry about? How do you keep yourself and others safe?
Grilling Aboard? Play It Safe
Charcoal is king for grilling at home, but it can be a hazard on a boat. Use an electric or propane grill during any party on your boat. Even those can cause issues, however, if you fail to properly monitor them.
“The Coast Guard does not have a stance on grilling,” says Petty Officer 1st Class Diana Sherbs of the Seventh Coast Guard District in South Florida. “We do emphasize having the proper safety devices such as a fire extinguisher in the event something goes wrong. There are different styles of grills available on the market for boaters. Most [manufacturers] will provide input on where to best set it up on your vessel.”
When it comes to locations on the boat, avoid grilling in enclosed spaces or near flammable materials. Pay extra attention to a hot grill on a boat due to the tight spaces.
Lighting Fireworks on the Boat? Think Twice
Lighting fireworks on a recreational boat can be quite dangerous. For openers, the fire hazards are many on a boat. In addition, they pose a risk of injury for passengers and create potential environmental impacts.
Noise is also an issue, as there are legal restrictions depending on your state. Plus, in crowded waterways, there’s the possibility that unexploded fireworks land on other boats and boaters.
“It’s probably best to view the fireworks from your boat than to actually set them off,” Sherbs said. “Fiberglass is flammable, and along with a fuel tank, there may be serious fire safety risks. If you’re intent on bringing fireworks aboard, check your state laws first.”
Staying Out After Dark? Be Prepared
Night boating during July 4th festivities can be nerve-wracking and potentially dangerous, especially for novices.
If July 4th on your boat is going to last all day, stay hydrated, sober, and aware. Do you plan to be out past sunset? Ensure all of the boat’s navigation lights are functional. Are you experienced boating at night? If not, either invite an experienced night boater to accompany you, or consider skipping the trip.
“Monitor the weather, file a float plan, and carry working communication equipment,” Sherbs says. “Keep emergency gear readily accessible: life jackets, signaling devices, a throwable flotation device, and fire extinguishers. Schedule a safety check with your local Coast Guard Auxiliary to ensure you and your vessel are prepared for a fun, safe day on the water.”
For more safety regulations and safety gear information, please refer to our Safe Boating website.
Operation Dry Water Weekend July 4-6, 2025
The Operation Dry Water campaign encourages all boaters to boat responsibly and take extra precautions this boating season. Operation Dry Water’s goal is to keep you, other boaters, and law enforcement officers safe and healthy.
Law enforcement agencies that participate in Operation Dry Water are tasked with increasing Boating Under the Influence (BUI) enforcement during the targeted enforcement weekend of Operation Dry Water, July 4–6. Plus, organizers ask them to work with their local media, businesses, and recreational boaters to spread the message and raise awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence. That applies during the heightened enforcement weekend and all year long.
Operation Dry Water stresses three key points:
- Boat sober
- Wear a life jacket
- Take a boating safety course
“The Fourth of July is a great time to enjoy our waterways, but it’s also one of the busiest boating weekends of the year,” Sherbs says. “We encourage everyone heading out to prioritize safety. Wear a life jacket, stay sober, and keep an eye on changing conditions. A few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday on the water.”
For more than 30 years, Doug Thompson has written about boats. He’s covered events such as the Catalina Water Ski Race out of Long Beach, California, cruised on personal watercraft from Key West to Key Largo for stories, told the tale of catching sailfish off Fort Lauderdale, and penned articles about new boats, marine accessories, electronics, and engines. Learn more about Doug at https://douglasmthompson.wordpress.com/.
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