Stay Safe with Safe Boating!
Make Your Boating Trip a Pleasure by Following Safe Boating Practices
Florida's coastal waters are home to the greatest number of recreational boats and saltwater fishermen in the United States. With more than1,300 miles of coastline, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, 7,800 lakes, and 4,000 square miles of estuaries for Floridians, and the wildlife that inhabit to enjoy, there are so many options to explore.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) protects Floridians and our natural resources through law enforcement services - enforcing boating rules and regulations, coordinating boating safety campaigns and educational programs, and managing public waters and access to them - for our waterways and coastal communities;
Boater Safety is Serious Business. Here are a few tips from Captain Jonny to keep you safe on your boating excursions.
• Check the weather forecast at weather.gov before setting out.
• Let someone you trust know your boating plan.
• File a Float Plan. Download your free Float Plan here. Then fill it out and leave it with someone you trust to notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
• Always carry lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment.
• Check all gear before departing on your boating adventure.
• Wear life jackets! Make sure everyone aboard - children and pets especially - have peroperly sized life jackets. The majority of people who have drowned in boating accidents were not wearing life jackets! Drowning is a preventable injury!
• Teach children to respect the power of the water and to listen to all safety instructions while aboard.
• Attend safe boating courses and participate in free boat safety checks. The U.S. Coast Guard offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. They also will provide a specialist to check your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations.
• Always stay sober while operating a boat! Do not drink alcohol if you are operating a boat. As you would when traveling by car, designate a sober driver. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have shown that the effect of alcohol is heightened by the effect of sun and wind.
• Carry a Safety Safety Kit aboard with a first aid supplies, a fire extinguisher, flares, a sound signaling device and extra floatation devices.
For more details on boater safety, visit the following websites:
https://www.myfwc.com
Crusing with Captain Jonny
