Boating safety should be a top priority for anyone enjoying Florida’s waterways, whether you’re a seasoned captain or a first-time visitor. With nearly one million registered vessels and year-round access to both fresh and saltwater, Florida offers endless opportunities for recreation on the water. However, preventable accidents continue to occur each year, highlighting the importance of preparation, awareness, and responsible operation. By following proven boating safety practices recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, boaters can help ensure every trip is both safe and enjoyable.
Florida boating safety pointers courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Florida, with its great year-round weather and plenty of access to fresh and saltwater, is the boating capital of the world. Florida leads the nation with nearly one million registered vessels across the state and is known as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors. Unfortunately, each year FWC officers respond to far too many tragic boating accidents that could have been prevented.
- Each year, the FWC releases the Boating Accident Statistical Report prior to National Safe Boating Week. The reports are available at http://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/accidents/.
- Life Jackets Save Lives – The FWC encourages boaters to find a comfortable life jacket and always wear it while boating. Approximately 60% of the boating deaths are due to drowning. Events can cause a boater to end up in the water unexpectedly, and a person will not have time to grab their life jacket before they find themselves in the water.
- Know What’s Going On Around Your Boat At All Times – The FWC encourages boaters to pay attention and maintain 360-degree awareness while operating a boat. This includes what a boater sees and hears. According to FWC boating accident statistics, half of all reportable boating accidents were due to collisions, 51% of those collisions were attributed to operator inattention or improper lookout.
- Zero Tolerance – The FWC reminds boaters that boating while impaired by alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal. FWC officers will be looking for impaired operators and these operators will face arrest if found to be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Over 20% of boating fatalities are alcohol or drug related.
- Take a Boating Safety Course – The FWC encourages boaters to take a boating safety course. 83% of operators involved in fatal boating accidents had no formal boater education. We know that an educated boater is safer on the water. If a boat operator has taken a boating safety education course the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater for them as well as their passengers. Everyone can benefit from taking a boating safety course, even if not required to under current law.
- Use of Technology Can Save Lives – The FWC encourages boaters to purchase, register, and have onboard the boat an emergency locator beacon. This could be an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). These devices can be used by any boater to ensure search and rescue teams find you quickly in the event of an emergency.
- Float Plans – Let family and friends know where you are going and when you will return. The sooner rescuers can get on the water and to the location of an overdue boater, the more likely the outcome will be positive.
- Check Safety Equipment – The FWC encourages boaters to check safety equipment before getting out on the water. In addition to having the required equipment such as life jackets, whistle/ horn, lights, fire extinguisher and flares, make sure you have optional equipment (based on where you are boating) that can help in an emergency.
- WC – Following safe boating guidelines is especially important when operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC), such as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner. Most PWC accidents result in reportable injuries. Every person on board a PWC must wear a non-inflatable, USCG approved life jacket and the operator must attach the engine cut off switch lanyard. No person under 14 years of age may operate a PWC on Florida waters.
- Rent From the Right Livery – When residents or visitors come to Florida to experience our states great resources, renting a PWC is often high on the list. If you do decide to rent a PWC for a fun and safe day on the water, make sure to do your homework and rent from a livery that’s following the law. Liveries must have proof of insurance and provide boating safety instruction for renters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and instruction for proper operation for everyone. They must provide renters with the proper safety equipment and can’t rent a PWC to anyone under 18.
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Original article published on floridasportsman.com
