SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – The U.S. Coast Guard is urging boaters headed out to the water to keep in mind basic safety practices or risk getting fined.

Petty Officer 3rd Class David Williams said one of the most common violations is drivers getting behind the wheel of a boat while intoxicated.

He said drinking and driving laws on a boat are the same as those on the road - .08 is the limit.

This holiday they’ll be patrolling the waters and are expecting a large number of boaters on the Laguna Madre for the 4th of July fireworks display.

“South Padre Island is definitely a party island. A lot of people come out here to have a good time, sometimes take it a little too far. We just want to touch on the fact that it’s important to maintain your sobriety while you are boating or have somebody else do it for you,” Williams said.

He said everyone on board should have a life vest.

Boaters should also tell someone where they’re going in case of an emergency. Keeping flares and a device that sends a satellite signal of your location is also recommended, especially for off-shore boaters.