Boat Safety in Florida

Safety should be a key concern when operating a boat. Over the last several years, Florida's boating death rate has more than doubled the national average.
In 1988, 105 people died on Florida waters and 79 died in 1989.

More than half of the boating deaths are unfortunately alcohol related.
An intoxicated passenger is the one needing life jackets the most, but often resist when directed to put one on.
It may be easier to take an intoxicated passenger back to land.

Many deaths were attributed to people who actually fall out of boats, operating boats at excessive speeds, and collisions with other boats. The operator should know what is going on in his boat and in surrounding boats.
A better solution is to minimize the consumption of alcohol on your boat. Any person who consumes alcohol should never be allowed to operate a boat.

Many Florida areas are requesting enforcement of speed limits and other boating safety measures. Common sense and the same general rules should apply to operating a boat as when operating an car.

The Coast Guard and local Marine patrols are responsible for enforcing boating regulations. They have the authority to 'fine' boaters operating in an unsafe manner or violating regulations, and they can and will impound boats when the situation is appropriate.

Good safety procedures:

• Plan your trip carefully. Take extra water, food and fuel if appropriate.
• Use the 1/3 rule. After 1/3 of your fuel is used, return to port. This provides about 1/3 for emergencies.
• Check the weather before leaving port.
• Be alert to sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
• Keep all the lights and navigational equipment in good operating order.
• Make sure you have a basic repair kit, flares, whistles, and horns on board.
• Make sure you have an accurate compass. If used off-shore, a two-way radio is desirable.
• Carry a life preserver for each person on board.
• Instruct passengers on how to wear a cushion preserver or life jacket. Children should wear jackets.
• Proceed with caution when leaving a dock.
• Slow down when approaching passing sailboats, rowboats, canoes and people fishing. Watch your wake. Boaters are responsible for all damage.
• Don't overload your boat.
• Board small boats and canoes low and amidship.
• When training other operators, practice away from other craft.
• Water skiers should be familiar with signals and should include a safety observer.
• Be familiar with the rules of the waterways. Use proper whistles, lighting-check channel markers, and other navigational aids.
• Use safe practices when fueling the boat; wipe spills and ventilate.
• When operating in restricted waters, remember to stay to the right of the channel and to reduce speed.
• Report unsafe boaters to the Coast Guard or Florida Marine Patrol(FMP). (FMP monitors channel 6.)

Natural Resources

Boaters should know that the wake can damage sensitive wetland vegetation and even e rode shorelines. There are many areas in Florida that are inhabited by the endangered manatee. Boaters operating in areas inhabited by manatees should be on the alert, observe warning signs, and use discretionary speeds.

Making proper use of navigational charts and visually and physically checking water depth will prevent groundings. Running aground can not only damage props and engines, but coral formations, seagrass beds, and other marine bottoms as well. Fuel and oil spills are also harmful and should be avoided. Major spills are unlawful and should be reported to USGG or FMP.

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