This July 4 holiday weekend, thousands of recreational boaters will take to the waterways for recreational boating's busiest day of the year. Boat Owner's Association of The United States is urges all boaters to prepare, have patience and operate with care as they head out to for fireworks displays and holiday fun.

"Fireworks displays bring a lot boaters closely together at a dangerous time, at night," said Ruth Wood, president of the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. "Most accidents occur as the big show ends and everyone weighs anchor to return home. With many boats in the water and fixed objects hidden in the darkness, keeping extra lookouts is wise move. Consideration, caution and patience will get you safely through this traffic jam."

Wood also said staying sober could save your life. "Boating stress factors such as fatigue, and long exposure to the sun will increase alcohol's effect on the body, so if you want to have a drink, wait until you and your crew are safely back at the dock," she said. ?And the best way to ensure everyone comes home is to wear life jackets, especially at night. Accidents happen very quickly. It's often too late to put one on after a mishap."

Jerry Cardarelli, vice president of towing services for BoatU.S said, "We forecast that nearly 6,000 boaters will need some type of non-emergency help over the holiday period. Our 24-hour TowBoatU.S. and Pacific Vessel Assist on-the-water assistance call centers will experience the highest call volume of the year on Sunday as everyone takes in the fireworks displays. Monday's waterway traffic will also be high as many boaters return to home port after a weekend of fun."

To prevent becoming a statistic, boaters can prepare by first ensuring that all navigation lights operate, fuel is topped off and battery loads are monitored, as running accessories can leave them too weak to start engines.

"Keep an eye on your electrical usage when anchored," adds Cardarelli. "Lots of folks will go out early and raft up all day long waiting for fireworks running fans, sound systems or other appliances. You don't want to become part of the 'morning after' crowd who end up inadvertently overnighting on the hook with a dead battery."

For trailer boaters, the surge in 24-hour call center volume for BoatU.S. trailering roadside assistance is expected to be on Thursday, July 1 as trailers head down the highway to their vacation spot. "The two biggest causes for trailering breakdowns are damaged tires and bearings," said Beth McCann, executive director of the BoatU.S. Trailering Club.

"We highly recommend that before you depart on Thursday that your tires are serviceable and at the correct pressure. It can also help if you have a complete spare tire, inflated on the rim, available," she said.

For some trailer boaters, the July 4th holiday is the only time that they will use their trailers the entire year, said McCann. "Under-used trailers are often under-maintained. Trailers that sit for long periods have the highest incidence of bearing failure, so ensure that this preventative maintenance item is taken care of before you go." And McCann also advises making to stop along the way periodically to check your rig.