It’s almost Independence Day and a lot of Southwest Floridians are taking the opportunity to get out on the water.

If you are planning on boating, officials from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission want you to know how to stay safe on the water by planning and being smart.

Brad Stender, a corporal at the CCSO Marine Unit, said they are looking for boats in “reckless operation” out on the water during the festivities on Thursday.

“We try to step up our patrols out here,” Corporal Stender said. “We look for boats weaving in and out of the bridges that are by paddleboarders not slowing down.”

Corporal Stender warns that if a person is caught drinking and boating, it is a serious crime. It is important to think before cracking open that beer.

DOWNLOAD: Boating Safety Float Plan

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is a misdemeanor offense and those arrested are taken to jail. If found guilty, you can end up with fines up to $1,000 plus court costs, and even jail time.

In 2018, there were 56 fatal boating crashes resulting in 59 fatalities across the state of Florida. Alcohol or drug use was determined to be a factor in 19% of those fatal accidents.

FWC wants to lower or eliminate that number.

The agency also recommends that you carry a visual distress signal for both days and night.

MORE: Fort Myers Beach sets the standard for boating safety

Before you make a trip, it is important to make a float plan. The plan includes the make and model of your boat as well as detailed plans on your trip. Leave it with someone you can depend on to notify FWC in the case of an accident.

An outline of the float plan, along with additional boater safety tips, can be found on the FWC website.

Boating safety check list

The safety message from all of the program sponsors is simple: be prepared.