Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest boating holidays of the year, with thousands expected to cruise to on-the-water fireworks shows and participate in large group raft-ups at popular boating hotspots across the nation.

All that fun may come with some additional risk this year as 415,000 first-time boat owners learn to navigate crowded waterways.

To help keep boaters safe, the Water Sports Foundation offers seven tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend and beyond.