BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) — As boating season begins, safety remains a top priority as thousands of people are expected to take to Rhode Island's waters this summer.

12 News went on the water with Bristol Harbormaster Gregg Marselli, who shared what every boater, new or experienced, should know if you plan to be on a boat.

"Everybody's required to have, depending on the size of their boat, different safety equipment," Marselli explained. "Everybody should have a life jacket for each person on board that fits them, fire extinguishers, a throwable device, a sound-producing device, and flares."

Patrols will also increase leading up to the Fourth of July festivities in Bristol.

"We'll have thousands of visitors throughout the summer and many boats. We have 12 square miles of water, we have abou

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