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Safe Boating Week: Wear life jackets, pay attention
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 77 boating fatalities for 2007. Though this number may be disconcerting, following a few simple rules and paying attention while boating can make the difference between a safe and enjoyable day on the water and one that ends tragically.
Gov. Charlie Crist and Florida’s cabinet members passed a resolution this week proclaiming May 17-23 as National Safe Boating Week in Florida. The FWC is using this event to announce the kickoff of the “Wear it Florida” campaign, which is aimed at encouraging boaters of all ages to wear a life jacket while boating.
“Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents, and there’s an easy fix – wear a life jacket,” said Lt. Ed Cates of the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “There are several styles of life jackets available that won’t interfere with your boating experience and may save your life.”
Today’s boaters can choose from several models of light and comfortable inflatable belt pack and over-the-shoulder style life jackets that can be worn while fishing or enjoying the sun and do not interfere with boating activities.
Accidents occur without warning, and, if for some reason you end up in the water, quite often it’s too late to put on a life jacket.
“The second leading cause of death in boating accidents is boaters colliding with other boats or objects,” Cates said. “With the growing number of boaters in our beautiful state, it’s important to pay close attention to everything that’s going on around your boat.”
Statistics repeatedly show that boaters who have taken a basic boating safety class are less likely to be involved in a boating accident.
“The frequency of boating accidents in Florida and their causes would probably be a shock to most people,” Cates said. “We spend a lot of time reviewing and analyzing boating accident data and compiling that data into an annual statistical report. Our ultimate goal is to change accident trends in our state and reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths on Florida waters.”
The 2007 Boating Accident Statistical Report is now available online at MyFWC.com/law/boating.
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It's amazing that these guys can still have the desire to go out and keep us safe without getting a raise, which they have not had in many years. They're boss did nothing for them this year as the boss of the Highway patrol went out and demanded a raise for his people and go one. They don't even have the gas money to run their big boats.
#1 Posted by fishman on May 17, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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