The Harbor Column:

Ahoy.

This weekend will be extremely busy on America’s waterways as boaters across the nation untie their docklines for cruising during the Fourth of July weekend. Whenever the Fourth falls on a weekend, the numbers increase and make it one of the busiest boating days of the year. Boating organizations, harbor patrols and the Coast Guard are asking boaters to boat safely and be courteous to fellow boaters.

Locally in Newport Harbor, there will be two events that annually attract boaters. The first event, which I mentioned in last week’s column, is the American Legion’s Old Glory Boat Parade, then after dark comes the popular Newport Dunes fireworks display. “Proud to be an American” is the theme of this year’s American Legion’s Fourth of July Boat Parade beginning at 1 p.m.

After dark, you can watch the Newport Dunes’ fireworks display from shore or aboard your boat. The Dunes has a good display that has become a tradition in Newport Harbor, and the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Some boaters will cruise into the Back Bay to see the fireworks, but remember to reach the Dunes area that you must follow the unlit channel markers or risk grounding once you have gone under the Pacific Coast Highway bridge. Also, boaters need to know the tide levels for clearance under the bridge.

My favorite spot to watch from a boat is in the large turning by the anchorage area.

Tip of the week is be careful if you will be barbecuing on your boat this weekend. However, barbecuing is one of my favorite ways to cook aboard, and many boaters mount a portable grill on their gunwales. Gas is becoming the choice for many boaters, thus eliminating the smoldering coals.

I have seen the aftermath of a sailboat’s melted fiberglass foredeck after the hibachi was lit while sitting on the deck. Burning charcoal can flip out and unsecured grills can flip over from the wake of a passing boat. If you will be barbecuing then use a grill designed to be mounted on a boat either in a rod holder or on a stanchion.

I hope you have a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend and be courteous on the water.

Remember to tune in at 11 a.m. every Saturday to Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show on KLAA (800) or for an Internet feed go to www.BoathouseTV.com.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to [email protected] or go to www.boathousetv.com .