Celebrating the Fourth in the harbor

Ahoy.

Fourth of July weekend is here, and this is one of the busiest boating times of the year. The weather and sea conditions are looking great for boating, but watch out for morning fog. It is going to be hot, so tell everyone aboard your boat to drink lots of water throughout the day.

This Fourth, I will be walking over to Mariners Park to watch my two daughters ride their bicycles in the Fourth of July parade organized by the Mariners Elementary School Foundation and the city of Newport Beach. I know it is not a nautical event, but it is an annual event that my family enjoys, so hold off sending those e-mails.

However, there is an on-the-water parade, which I have participated in many times. The American Legion’s Old Glory Boat Parade will set sail in Newport Harbor, and Post 291 will open its doors to the public with food and three bands playing.

The American Legion is on the bay front at 15th Street and Balboa Boulevard. For more information about the boat parade and shore-side festivities call (949) 673-5070 or check www.al291.com. Tell them you read about it in my column and you just might receive the winning raffle ticket.

The tip of the week is for all boaters to be courteous on the water this busy Fourth of July weekend.

Most important is to have a safety chat with your guests before you untie the dock lines. Explain how to use and show the location of the lifejackets, fire extinguishers, ring buoy and other safety equipment. Remember, there must be a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (lifejacket) for each person aboard your boat. The Newport Harbor Patrol office provides free lifejackets that you can borrow for children from the Boat U.S. Lifejacket Loaner Program. On smaller boats let the guests know about balance and if they can walk about the boat when underway.

Remember: Speed kills, and what is your hurry anyway while in the harbor? You want to travel with the flow of traffic by keeping your starboard side to shore and passing oncoming vessels port to port. Beware that the maneuvers you make with your boat will affect all the boats around you; therefore, before you turn, look behind you to see if it is clear, and don’t stop in the middle of a traffic lane unless you have to for safety reasons. Most accidents are caused by skippers not paying attention to their responsibilities and not following the rules of the road.

Lastly, many boaters will be barbecuing aboard their boats. Which method makes the food taste better? Electric, gas or charcoal? I have a few tips for barbecuing so that you will not melt your fiberglass.

Hint No. 1: Be cautious of the wakes from other boats or, if you are in the ocean, swells. I have seen cockpit decks pitted after burning charcoal was flipped out and I have seen grills flipped on their sides ? both caused by the wakes of passing boats.

Hint No. 2: Do not use your barbecue inside, whether in the galley or on the flybridge with all the windows zipped up tight. Carbon monoxide poisoning is real and is known as the deadly, silent killer.

Hint No. 3: Have your fire extinguisher close to the grill, or simply fill a bucket with sea water to use for dousing the coals in an emergency.

Hint No. 4 (and my favorite): Watch out for seagulls, as I have seen them dive out of the sky to scoop food directly off the grill.

Remember to tune in to the No. 1 boating talk radio show in the nation every Saturday at noon. “Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show” is on KCBQ-AM (1170) and can be heard online at www.boathouseradio.com. Also, if you have a special nautical event held during our broadcast times then please let me know and we might show up for a live remote broadcast at your event.

Safe voyages.