The U.S. Coast Guard is urging Hawaii mariners to practice safe boating during the July Fourth holiday weekend and to not set off emergency distress flares as fireworks.

Fireworks from boaters could be mistaken for distress flares, compromising the readiness of rescue crews responding to false alerts, officials said.
Lighting flares when not in distress could result in fines, imprisonment and liability for all costs of the Coast Guard’s response to the false alert.
Boaters should expect an increased Coast Guard presence on the water this weekend as crews focus on recreational boating safety.
One of the most important safety practices boaters can take on the water is wearing a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD).
Remembering a few other safety precautions can also ensure boaters have a safe and fun time this holiday:
• File a float plan — Tell someone where you are going, when you will be back, the names of persons aboard and what route you plan on traveling;
• Use safety equipment — Travel with a marine VHF radio or another form of communication such as an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). Being able to contact the Coast Guard is critical in case of an emergency;
• Don't drink and boat — Boating while intoxicated is against the law and can result in arrest or worse, cause a fatal accident;
• Be aware of the weather — The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly. Check the NWS Web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/.
For more information on boating safety, please visit: http://www.uscgboating.org/