National Safe Boating Week is May 18 to May 24, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is encouraging boaters to focus on simple, effective steps that make boating safer.
Though Florida’s boating season never really ends, Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start nationwide.
With nearly 1 million registered boaters in the state, people safely enjoy boating every day. However, each year, FWC officers respond to tragic and preventable accidents.
Maj. Rob Rowe, leader of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section, said in a release, “It (National Safe Boating Week) presents an opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining safe while boating.”
These safety precautions are recommended by the FWC:
- Wear a life jacket
- Use an engine cutoff switch lanyard
- Designate a sober boat operator
- Pay attention and keep a proper lookout
- Have an emergency locator beacon
- File a boat plan
- Take a boating safety class
“Inattention of the boat operator continues to be the leading cause of boating accidents,” Rowe said. “It is critical for operators to be aware of what is going on around them.”
The 2018 Boating Accident Statistical Report indicates there were 628 boating accidents last year, down from 766 in 2017.
To report people who are boating dangerously, call (888) 404-3922.
More information can be found online at MyFWC.com/Boating.
Published May 22, 2019
