Officer Jarrod Molnar, FWC’s 2016 Boating Officer of the Year, on patrol. Molnar is a coastal officer assigned to Okaloosa County (photo courtesy FWC)
“National Safe Boating Week is May 18-24,” said Maj. Rob Rowe, leader of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boating and Waterways Section. “It presents an opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining safe while boating.”
Though Florida’s boating season never really ends, Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start nationwide and is a great opportunity to focus on safety. With nearly 1 million registered boats in the state, people safely enjoy boating every day. However, each year, FWC officers respond to tragic and preventable boating accidents.
Boaters can safely enjoy their time on the water by taking the following safety precautions, including:
- Wearing a life jacket.
- Using an engine cut-off switch lanyard.
- Designating a sober boat operator.
- Paying attention and keeping a proper lookout.
- Having an emergency locator beacon.
- Filing a float plan.
- Taking a boating safety class.
“Inattention of the boat operator continues to be the leading cause of boating accidents, according to our statistical report,” Rowe said. “It is critical for operators to be aware of what is going on around them.”
The report also indicates there were 628 accidents last year, down from 766 in 2017.
“Our officers are committed to keeping people as safe as possible, but we need boaters’ help,” Rowe said. “We want boaters to understand that most boating accidents are preventable.”
To report people who are boating dangerously, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
More information can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating, which also boasts the Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder.
