It's a big weekend for being on the water, maybe the biggest for boaters, swimmers and the like.

That's why the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reminds all those who visit the state's waterways for the July 4th holiday to be safe during what is annually one of the busiest weekends of the year.

TWRA officials emphasize the use of personal floatation devices (PFDs) while boating in a safe and responsible manner. The TWRA wants all those who visit the waterways to have an enjoyable time. TWRA officers will be on the watch for dangerous boating behavior, such as boating under the influence (BUI) and other reckless operation.

So far in 2009, the Agency said there have been 76 reported boating accidents resulting in 32 injuries and seven fatalities. Alcohol or drug use has been involved in 19 percent of all accidents and four of the fatalities were alcohol related.

TWRA officers have made 97 BUI arrests this year as of June 29. Last year over the July4th holiday, there were 18 accidents reported over the period resulting in eight injuries and a single fatality which occurred on Nickajack Lake. TWRA officers made 27 BUI arrests over the holiday period.

The TWRA said wearing a life jacket is the single most effective way to protect boaters and reduce drowning in boating accidents. Eighty percent of those who drown in boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket. Also, remember that youth ages 12 and under are required to wear a life preserver while the boat is underway. Drifting, as well as under power of the engine, is considered underway.

The Agency wants boaters to recognize the effects and consequences of alcohol use while boating. While in a boat on the water, consuming one beer is equivalent to drinking three beers on land because of external stressors such as engine vibration, wave motion and glare from the sun. Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher is illegal in Tennessee, the same as operating a motor vehicle.

Have fun this weekend but remember to safely. The last thing anyone wants to read in Monday's paper is about a drowning this weekend.

Here are a few things most boaters can relate to that had to be shared on such a big boating weekend. Since the U.S. Senate passed a resolution declaring July 1 as National Boating Day, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) decided to take a humorous look at boating and sailing and wants every American to know they cannot be considered a "real" boater until they have done the following. Let's see how many apply to you.

* Forgotten to install the drain plug before launching the boat: Suddenly realizing you're ankle deep in water, scrambling to contort over the transom to install the plug, or rushing to get the boat back on the trailer faster than a NASCAR pit crew really means "you've arrived" in recreational boating. Been there -- done that, as they say.

* Contracted a case of "raccoon eyes": Caused by permanently attached sunglasses and the sun's rays waves reflecting off the water, the "raccoon eyes" look is characterized by a mask-like whiteness around the eyes surrounded by sunburned cheeks, nose and forehead. Cold, rainy weather is the only known cure. Experienced this one recently.

* Sent boating-themed holiday cards: Sailing Santas, lighthouses with Christmas wreaths, Rudolph pulling a boat full of toys, boating-themed holiday cards keep the boating bug alive in the darkest winters. Non-boating family and friends will just think you've gone off the deep end.

* Purchased a Jimmy Buffet CD: A favorite of sailboaters, usually accompanied by a blender and a shaker of salt attached to a tether so it does not get lost.

* Started shopping for a bigger boat the day after you buy your first one: Also known in the psychological field as "three-feet-i-tis," this disease is characterized by irrational and envious thoughts of larger vessel ownership. Most health plans do not provide for its treatment.

* Sanded the boat's bottom, varnished the hull, replaced a plank and enjoyed every minute of it: For old boat lovers, nothing gives a better sense of pride knowing you made your classic look more wonderful than a fine piece of antique furniture.

* Seen a sunrise over a glassy waterway and realized you are in Heaven: Most "real" boaters understand that boating and sailing seem to lower blood pressure, whiten teeth, lower cholesterol and delay the aging process.

The Coleman Company, Inc., America's outdoor company, is announcing support for a cause to ensure more opportunities are provided for youngsters with cancer to enjoy life-changing experiences outdoors. Coleman said about 8,600 kids age 14 and under will be diagnosed this year with the disease. Many will hear about a special youth camp in Montana where, for one week, the power of the outdoors can send fear and anxiety into complete remission.

To shine a light on the cause, Coleman has launched a charitable giving and awareness campaign for Camp Mak-A-Dream, a medically supervised, cost-free camping experience for children, young adults and families affected by cancer.

"At Coleman, we've always known that spending time in the outdoors benefits body, mind and spirit; and we recognize a compelling purpose for connecting kids and families outdoors at a place such as Mak-A-Dream," said Scott Henrikson, Senior Vice President of Americas Sales for Coleman. "The kids get to enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, making s'mores around the campfire, gazing up at the stars--all the things that healthy kids do at normal camps. But, for these kids, everyday life is anything but normal."

He added, "We hope that every family who understands the power of connecting with nature will join us in supporting this wonderful facility." Through a web-based donation system, outdoors enthusiasts can learn more, donate and get involved. Visit www.coleman.com/campdream.

Jennifer Benton, Director of Marketing & Special Events for Camp Mak-A-Dream, said, "We couldn't be happier to be partnering with Coleman on this campaign. As we are in the midst of our fifteenth camp season, the funds raised will go a long way in helping us accomplish our mission of offering cost-free programs to those affected by cancer. We appreciate this effort on our behalf and look forward to a great partnership."

Henrikson said that Coleman, throughout its 100-plus years, has supported many worthwhile charities and causes. Along with its extensive line of outdoor products, the company's corporate citizenship has helped make Coleman a leading brand among outdoors enthusiasts worldwide.

"All of this has built a perfect platform for Coleman to make a real difference for things our customers care about, and that's very rewarding to me both professionally and personally," he said.

Operated by the nonprofit Children's Oncology Camp Foundation, Camp Mak-A-Dream is 65 miles east of Missoula, Mont. Facilitated by healthcare professionals, experienced staff and enthusiastic volunteers, the camp includes four modern cabins, lodge, art studio, health center, maintenance building, pool, hot tub, archery range and ropes course. Operations depend primarily on individual donations, memorial contributions, corporate gifts and fundraising events.

To learn more about the new Coleman partnership with Camp Mak-A-Dream, visit www.coleman.com/campdream.