Fourth of July boat safety tips from the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Many people are going to be having fun out on the water this holiday weekend.

But it's important for boaters to use caution because there is a potential for danger.

Plenty of people are making their way out to the river for fourth of July weekend and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office wants to give you a few tips for staying safe on the water.

YCSO will have several deputies patrolling the river this holiday weekend.

Senior Deputy Matthew Felix patrols Martinez Lake, Fishers Landing and the Colorado River.

YCSO is expecting a large crowd this Fourth of July.

“We’re expecting a decent size crowd, somewhat like memorial day weekend, anywhere from 5 to 6 thousand people on average. Lot’s of them come from Southern California and the Phoenix area,” said Felix.

Felix has several tips for staying safe out on the water, while still having fun.

Don't drink and drive, wear your life jackets and educate your boat passengers.

He also says to watch for swimmers, especially children.

One California resident comes to the river almost every weekend and urges people not to drink and drive.

“We’ve had family members and friends that have had incidences, people actually killed on jet skis and it’s usually due to the fact that somebody on the other end was drinking and not paying attention,” said Bowman.

Deputy Felix adds that the crowd he is expecting this holiday weekend, will have a bigger chance of injury on the water.

“Whenever you’re around bigger crowds, the risk of injuries go up, we’re on the waterways, obviously boats don’t have brakes or anything like that, so there is more of a risk with more people,” said Felix.

With little to no cell reception in the area YCSO deputies will be patrolling all around the water so you can always flag them down if you have an emergency, and remember to stay safe out there and have a happy Fourth of July.