FWC promotes boating safety

FWC promotes boating safety in Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants all boaters to remember to boat safely. Florida, with its great year-round weather and plenty of access to fresh and salt water, is the boating capital of the world. Florida leads the nation with nearly 1 million registered vessels across the state, and is known as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors.

During March, the FWC will focus its resources on the water in Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota counties. FWC officers will be conducting boating safety inspections and monitoring areas for boating under the influence violations to keep all boaters safe.

“We want to remind everyone to be safe out there on the water,” said FWC Capt. Guy Carpenter.

The FWC reminds boaters to enjoy their time on the water by taking a few safety precautions, such as wearing a life jacket, being prepared and alert, and taking a boating safety class.

“Officers will be focusing on careless or inattentive operation of vessels, checking safety equipment and looking for impaired operators,” said Carpenter.

In 2015, inattention, or not keeping a proper lookout, was the No. 1 cause of reportable boating accidents in Florida.

To report people who are operating boats dangerously, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com. More information can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Boating. You can even search there for the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to help you find a great place to launch your boat!