Boaters urged to boat safely during National Safe Boating Week
With National Safe Boating Week and the release of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is encouraging boaters to focus on simple effective steps that make boating safer.
“National Safe Boating Week is May 22-28 and we want to encourage boaters to boat safely while enjoying Florida’s year-round boating season,” Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC’s Boating and Waterways section leader, said. “Reminding people to be safe and slow down is our top priority. Nothing can ruin an enjoyable and memorable experience on the water faster than a boating accident.”
Among other boating safety tips, boaters are encouraged to wear their life jackets, maintain 360-degree awareness and know the dangers — and penalties — for operating a vessel while impaired. According to FWC boating accident statistics, almost half (402) of all reportable boating accidents in 2020 were due to collisions, of which 44 percent were attributed to operator inattention or improper lookout.
“Life-changing tragedies often happen because individuals choose to operate a boat while distracted or, worse yet, impaired. Those tragedies are preventable,” Beaton said. “FWC law enforcement officers will be doing their part to ensure the safety of Florida’s recreational boaters.”
To report people who are boating dangerously, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
For more safety tips, visit MyFWC.com/Boating. For a copy of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select “Safety & Education” and “Boating Accidents.”
The FWC is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and compiling boating accident data for the state. Its statistical report details boating accidents and their causes. The theme of accident-related messages from FWC staff is clear: Officers want to help keep Florida’s beautiful waterways a safe place to boat.