The Westchester County Marine Unit is encouraging boaters on the Long Island Sound to be safe this Fourth of July.

They say some boat operators are unaware of where basic lifesaving equipment is located, such as life vests, flares and life rings.

"It's a quick response thing that if somebody falls overboard, you grab it and throw it to them,” says Westchester County Marine Sgt. John Butcher.

Officials are also urging boaters to be cautious on the Hudson River near the construction site of the new Tappan Zee Bridge. Four years ago, a wedding party hit a barge, killing a bride-to-be and her fiancé’s best man.

Ed and Cheryl Murray, of Mamaroneck, say they’ve been sailing the sea for a long time. They say before hitting the water, it’s important to get your vessel inspected by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

"It's good because they'll check the boat to make sure it's safe out on the water,” the couple says. "Make sure you stay in the lanes of traffic and away from rocks at low tide and you'll be safe."

Officials say extra patrols will be out looking for people boating while intoxicated.