Next week is National Safe Boating Week and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is urging boaters to focus on simple steps that make boating safer. Florida is the number one state in the country for boating accidents.
FWC Major Rob Beaton 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 found at MyFWC.com/Boating, 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, 44% of those collisions 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,” said Beaton. “FWC law enforcement officers will be doing their part to ensure the safety of Florida’s recreational boaters.”