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Four citations, 66 warnings issued during ‘Operation Safe Water’

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Over the Fourth of July Weekend — which included July 2, 3 and 4 — the Lee County Marine Task Force (LCMTF) was out in force to ensure a safe boating environment for the public.

“Operation Safe Water,” a multi-agency effort which included the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol and marine officers with Fort Myers Police Department, saturated waterways with 13 patrol vessels within San Carlos Bay, New Pass and Roosevelt Channels. 

Though boat activity was slow due to inclement weather, LCMTF was able to conduct 140 safety inspections on recreational vessels. The  inspections resulted in four Uniform Boating Citations and 66 written warnings.

The goals of “Operation Boat Safe” included:

• Increase voluntary compliance and awareness of boating safety regulations

• Prevent boating accidents through increased officer presence

• Deter and detect careless and reckless operation

• Deter and detect impaired vessel operation

Citizens can help year-round by contacting law enforcement if they observe careless boat operators. To get in touch with one of our marine law enforcement officers, telephone the Lee County Sheriff’s Office 239-477-1000 or Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922. You can also dial 9-1-1 on your cell phone or via radio on the VHF Channel 16 to report the event.