Ahead of the holiday rush, officials held a boating and safety press conference at Presque Isle today

— warning that many of the tragedies they see this time of year are preventable. Officials from PennDOT, DCNR, the Fish & Boat Commission, the Coast Guard, and AAA gathered at Presque Isle today with one message: most of the tragedies they see over Fourth of July weekend are preventable.

Rangers say the biggest issues start with impaired visitors. Alcohol is banned across the park, but people still try to bring it in — and that often leads to dangerous situations.

“The key word is preventable, and people seem to forget the fact that most of the incidents that occur are caused by mistakes that they could have prevented beforehand. Keep your mind on the road. Keep your alcohol at home,” Brian Marendt, a DCNR park ranger for Presque Isle, explained.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission says they’re stepping up patrols this weekend, especially after making 27 boating-under-the-influence arrests last year.

AAA also spoke at today’s press conference — pointing to last year’s numbers as a reminder: more than 200 crashes statewide, eight fatalities, and over 100 injuries over the Fourth of July period — many tied to alcohol or drugs.

“Make that plan before you go out, and if you see someone getting behind the wheel and you know they shouldn’t be, take those keys away. It takes some bravery, but you could not only be saving their life, but lives as well,” Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA, explained.

They are also saying this holiday stretch is expected to be one of the busiest ever, with more than 72 million people traveling.

“I’m standing here at Presque Isle State Park — where rangers say they’re already seeing the holiday crowds roll in as they gear up for the holiday rush — reminding visitors their safety is the top priority even after the holiday.” Stephanie Logue, Erie News Now.

Rangers say they’ll be out all weekend making sure people follow the rules and reminding visitors that simple choices can keep a celebration from turning into a crisis.

Marendt also shared that to ensure safety for everyone, people can only swim at beaches with lifeguards.