Florida – Governor Rick Scott has announced that May 20 through May 26 is Safe Boating week in Florida, an opportunity to get boaters to focus on and utilize simple and safe boating techniques and tips.
“Boating year-round is just one of the things that makes Florida special,” says the leader of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Boating and Waterways Section, Maj. Rob Rowe. “And even more people will be out on the water for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The holiday and National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, present an opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining safe while boating."
Florida is known as the boating capital of the world with over 1 million boats registered throughout the state. Florida is a magnet for both boaters who are residents and visitors alike, and with so many people boating every year and not implementing safe boating procedures, the FWC says they respond to too many accidents.
The 2016 FWC Boating Accident Statistical Report shows that there were 714 boating accidents reported and 67 boating-related fatalities. The number of accidents went down 3% from the previous year, but deaths jumped 22%.
The leading cause of accidents is an improper lookout, making up 29% of accidents. The leading cause of boating-related deaths is drowning due to falling overboard, making up 60% of boating deaths last year
“Our officers are committed to keeping people as safe as possible, but we need the public’s help,” says Rowe. “We want to reach as many boaters as we can, to help them understand that most boating accidents are preventable.”
In order to stay safe while boating, the FWC recommends that you:
According to the FWC, wearing a life jacket is extremely important in preventing tragic events. The FWC has released testimonials revealing how life jackets have saved lives when worn, and how lives have ended by life jackets not being worn. Testimonials can be viewed here, here and here.
“A lot of people say they don’t wear life jackets because they are uncomfortable,” says Rowe. “However, with the inflatable models that are belt packs or suspenders, you hardly know you have one on. FWC officers wear inflatable life jackets all the time while on the water.”
An engine cut-off switch lanyard connects the operator to the engine so if a boat operator were to fall overboard, the engine and propellers would immediately shut off.
Florida State Law stipulates that if you were born on or after January 1, 1988, or if you operate a boat with 10 hp or greater, you are required to have boating education. 70% of fatalities relating to boating incidents happen to individuals who have not had any boating education. To learn more about boating education, go here.
“We live in a great boating state,” says Rowe. “And we believe that safety truly is the key to enjoyment.”
If you suspect someone is boating dangerously, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
More information on boating, in general, can be found here.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
