COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
July 4th is less than a week away, but many celebrations will happen this weekend. And if you're headed out on the water, there are lights other than the fireworks you should be aware of.
Officials with the Lake Murray Boat Club say a set of glow sticks could save your life. But they're not your average glow sticks. They'll last for 12 hours and are designed by a manufacturer of safety products.
Thanks to a donation, the boat club is giving them away to boaters for free. And they want you to come pick them up before you head out on the water.
"A few years ago there was a tragic evening where we had a loss of life with two nighttime boating accidents," said Lake Murray Boat Club owner Jon Dukes.
That was back in 2010. But Dukes said the tragedies gave way to an idea.
"As a small business, we wanted to try to find a way to do our little part," said Dukes.
So they teamed up with West Marine. Their goal is to light up the lake. Their bright idea lends itself to the thought that good things come in small packages.
"Each of the three individual sticks can individually replace any of the three navigation lights on a boat," said Dukes. "All boats carry a ready and a green on the bow and a white on the stern."
Dukes says boaters should check their navigational lights before they head out on the water. But they should also have glow sticks in case of an emergency.
"If they lose a light or they get out there and they're not expecting to be out at night with their lights not working, they're a temporary solution to get them home safe."
Dukes said the July 4th celebration is the largest boating day of the year on Lake Murray and with all the boats on the water, Dukes believes the glow stick could help prevent a big problem.
"At night if there's not lights on a boat it's very difficult to see." said Dukes. "The biggest safety advice I can give is go slow," said Dukes. "There are a lot a lot of boats. It's dark. It's hard to see everybody. Just go slow."
Dukes said they'll be giving away the bags at the boat club on Marina Road on Lake Murray as long as supplies last. you can pick them up Saturday before the fireworks Saturday night.
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Boat Club giving away glow sticks to boaters this weekend
