National Safe Boating Week highlights safety reminders ahead of Memorial Day weekend

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — As more people prepare to spend time on the water, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding boaters to make safety part of their plans before leaving the dock.

National Safe Boating Week comes just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, one of the busier times of year for Florida waterways. FWC officers say the goal is to make sure boaters know what they are required to have on board — and what they can do to prevent emergencies.

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Before heading out, FWC says every vessel should have a life jacket for each person on board. Officers say those life jackets should be the correct size and fit for each person, whether it is an adult or a child.

FWC also says boaters need to have a throwable flotation device, such as a ring or square cushion, in case someone falls overboard. A working fire extinguisher and a sound-producing device, like a horn, bell or whistle, are also required.

Officers say it is not enough to simply have the equipment on the boat. Boaters should check that everything is in good condition and stored somewhere easy to access during an emergency.

FWC also recommends carrying extra emergency gear, including flares, a VHF radio, an EPIRB or a personal locator beacon. Officers say those devices can help rescuers find boaters faster, especially if they are offshore or in an area without cell service.

Life jackets were a major focus of the safety reminder. FWC says nearly half of boating fatalities are the result of drowning, which is why officers encourage people to wear life jackets any time the vessel is underway, even when they are not legally required to do so.

FWC officers are also warning against boating under the influence. They say about 14 percent of boating fatalities last year were connected to drug or alcohol use.

Officers say there is zero tolerance for operating a vessel while impaired. If someone is suspected of boating under the influence, FWC can conduct an investigation, including seated field sobriety tasks on the vessel. A person found operating impaired could face arrest, fines, jail time and have their vessel towed.

FWC is urging boaters to designate a sober operator before heading out.

With more boats expected on the water for Memorial Day weekend, officers are also reminding people to pay attention to no-wake zones, manatee protection areas and other boating restrictions.

FWC says one of the biggest safety tips is maintaining a proper lookout. Officers say boaters should have 360-degree awareness at all times and pay attention to what is happening around them, especially in crowded waterways.

The overall message from FWC is simple: check your equipment, know the rules and plan ahead before getting on the water.

Click here to see FWC's website for boating safety tips.