SWFL.io - Local NewsFlorida officials are urging boaters to stay safe on the water after the state reported 700 boating accidents and 51 fatalities last year.
Drowning was the leading cause of death in these incidents. Monroe County, which includes the Florida Keys, had the highest number of boating accidents, while Lee County reported the most fatalities.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Chris Boley emphasized the importance of safety for those enjoying the state’s waterways.
"We have a ton of boats out on the water. So, we want everyone to have fun this summer, come experience the water that Florida has and all the great recreating that we have, but we also want everyone to be safe as well," Boley said.
The state has nearly 1.03 million registered vessels and up to 1 million non-registered vessels actively using its waters.
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