The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation are having all boats on deck and on the water with Operation Dry Water!
FWC is reminding boaters to be extra vigilant ahead of the holiday weekend so that your day of celebrating freedom doesn't turn into a day spent in a jail cell.
There are three things FWC is reminding boaters this weekend: don't drink and boat, make sure you have all your safety equipment in check and wear your life jackets.
"You will have fines and potential jail time and your vessel will be impounded," said Bradley Johnson, Public Information Officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
Johnson said FWC has zero tolerance for boaters under the influence as it puts people's lives at risk.
"In 2023, 24% of our boating fatalities were attributed to drug or alcohol use. When you're operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you're not only endangering yourself, any family or friends you may have on board, you're also endangering any other boaters that are on the water," stated Johnson.
Johnson also reminds you the importance of having all safety equipment in check and wearing your lifejacket.
"We strongly encourage that all vessel operators and all occupants on a vessel wear a life jacket at all times. In 2023, 50% of our boating fatalities were attributed to drowning," Johnson stated.
If you see a vessel in distress or a boater under the influence you can call FWC or send them a message at tip@myfwc.com.