While boating is a year-round sport in Florida, the traditional start is marked by Safe Boating Week – now through Friday by the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
According to FWC’s 2014 Boating Accident Statistical Report, there were 634 reportable boating accidents in Florida last year, resulting in 73 fatalities.
Lt. Seth Wagner with FWC says personal flotation devices -- life jackets -- are mandatory for children age six years and under. But in two recent boating accidents, where both adults and children ended up in the water -- PFDs were available but not used.
“If you don’t have it on, it’s not going to do you a lot of good when you fall in the water,” said Wagner. “Even if you’re one of the best swimmers around, when you’re in that stressed environment, in the shock and panic, you may not swim so well if at all.”
Today’s life preservers are not your grandfather’s Mae West. Developing technology and design have made them lighter, more comfortable, and less expensive.
Carrying PFDs is among the many simple, yet effective, steps that boaters are urged to take to make being on the water safer. That, and making sure they have the required on-board safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and a horn or other sound-producing device, and perhaps a floating GPS device.
Boaters also need to know their vessel; go slow when in doubt of the situation, and don’t drink and boat. Wagner says have a good time, but be smart about it.
“If you’re one of those that you just need your alcohol when you’re out on the water to have a good time, designate somebody that’s going to be the operator for the day who won’t drink,” Wagner said.
Boating under the influence laws in Florida are virtually identical to driving under the influence on the highway. And as on the road, a B-U-I conviction carries some severe penalties, including prison, fines, court costs, a criminal record, and losing your vessel.
The one key difference between drunk driving and boating is that on the water, the legal blood-alcohol limit for boaters under the age of 21 is .02.
Another suggestion from FWC is taking a boating safety course. Those born after January 1st, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a boat in Florida. Wagner adds that even the most experienced boater can pick up a few pointers from the course, as well as save money.
“If you’ve got a certified boating safety course [certificate], a lot of insurance companies will give you a discount,” said Wagner. “So there’s also a monetary incentive there.”
For a copy of the 2014 Boating Accident Statistical Report, visit www.MyFWC.com/Boating, then select “Safety and Education” and “Boating Accidents.”