The Harbor Column

Terrance Phillips

Happy Independence Day. It’s almost the Fourth of July and time to light

up those barbecues, break out the burgers and prepare for the sound of

illegal fireworks blasting in your street.

In case you haven’t heard, setting off any kind of fireworks in Newport

Beach is strictly prohibited and strongly enforced. This is also true if

you’re aboard a boat. As seen by the last week’s boat explosion at a fuel

dock, having sparks near fumes or fuel is extremely dangerous.

“Any kind of fireworks, including sparklers, are strictly prohibited in

Newport,” said Sgt. Michael McDermott, the public information officer for

the Newport Beach Police Department. “We contracted with the Sheriff’s

Department and Highway Patrol, and we’ll have 240 extra officers on duty

this year,” McDermott said.

In addition, the city will have all building code inspectors issuing

citations for parties on rooftops that are not structurally designed for

the extra weight. Balboa Boulevard will be closed at Pacific Coast

Highway on the Fourth, and you will have to prove you are a resident to

access several areas on the peninsula from 38th Street to River Avenue.

Setting off a firecracker more than six-tenths of an inch in diameter is

a felony and may cost you a $10,000 fine. All minors caught in violation

will be arrested and held in jail until released to the custody of their

parents. Adults will be cited and be required to appear for sentencing in

the Harbor Superior Court.

The Newport Dunes Resort will present its regulated, spectacular

fireworks show at sundown. As this event is held on the water, more than

1,000 boats are expected to make the Back Bay look like a logjam in

British Columbia. If you’re planning to launch a trailerable boat from

the Dunes Marina launch ramp, be advised that by 9 or 10 in the morning,

all the parking spaces are filled, prohibiting access to boaters entering

the park.

With so many boats in such a confined area, Back Bay viewing can become a

little chaotic.

“During a fireworks show, most people are looking upward. We strongly

suggest the boat driver stay focused on the vessels surrounding them, as

bumps, dings and scrapes can become quite frequent,” said Lt. Dotti Ronan

of the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol.

The Harbor Patrol will have a significant presence this year and advises

all boaters to have a designated driver.

In addition, Ronan said, “Make sure your fire extinguishers, life jackets

and either a cell phone or VHF radio are in good working order and on

board. They can be of great help.”

Because of all the traffic, keeping your speed under 5 mph is also

advisable.

* TERRANCE PHILLIPS is the Daily Pilot’s boating writer. You can leave a

message for him at (949) 642-6086 or via e-mail at

dailypilot@latimes.com.