Boating on the Fourth of July long weekend is always a bit wild, but this year promises to be extra nutty.
Over the last couple of years, more than half a million new boaters discovered that a day on the water is the perfect antidote to the Covid lockdown blues. That means even bigger than normal crowds on America’s waterways this holiday weekend. Add an extra pinch of inexperience and boats milling around in the dark waiting for the fireworks to pop off. It’s recipe for chaos, and that’s before folks go adding alcohol to the mix.
That’s why some of the biggest names in boating, fishing and wake sports have joined forces with the United States Coast Guard to combat the biggest threat to boating safety – boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In this video, Erica Lynn reminds boaters that just like in a car, boating and alcohol do not mix. “However you’re planning to spend your holiday weekend, whether out on the water with family and friends or soaking a line for that next prize catch, let’s make a pledge to always Ride Dry and Drive Dry,” says the popular fishing personality.
“If you’re operating a vessel under the influence, your motor skills will be significantly reduced,” the Gale Force Twins say in their own video promoting the Ride Dry pledge. “You could run aground, you could damage your boat, but more importantly, you could be risking the lives of your friends and family and nearby boaters,” the USCG-licensed captains and social media influencers say.
In an earlier social media video, Alan Blanco of Center Consoles Only visited with the crew of a USCG rapid-response boat, who all too often come face-to-face with the consequences of drinking while boating.
“Did you guys know that the number one contributor to all marine-related deaths and accidents is alcohol?” Alan says. “As a captain of your vessel, you’re responsible for your friends, family and getting everyone home safe. And that’s why we always Ride Dry and Drive Dry.”
Also joining the Ride Dry movement are wakeboarding legends Shaun Murray, Dallas Friday and Steel Lafferty, and professional anglers such as Capt. Shaw Grigsby and Capt. George Poveromo. Many of America’s favorite fishing influencers are also on board, including Michelle (@bombchelle_fishing) Dalton, Darcie (@darcizzle) Arahill, Erica (@erica_lynn.2) Lynn and the Gale Force Twins. So when you see their Ride Dry messages pop up on your favorite social network, give them a like, smash that subscribe button, and take the pledge to Ride Dry and Drive Dry.
