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Caution urged for holiday boaters

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2009

Florida has 1 million registered boats and other watercraft, and accident statistics are sobering.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is keeping that in mind and is asking boaters to use extra caution during the holiday weekend.

Labor Day traditionally marks the end of the summer boating season.

"We should mark the end of the summer on a high note," said Capt. Richard Moore, of the commission's Boating and Waterways section. "We're urging boaters to operate their vessels with caution, slow down a little, have all the necessary safety equipment and wear life jackets. If you drink alcohol, use a non-drinking designated driver, and most importantly, pay close attention to what's going on."

Florida recorded 54 boating fatalities in 2008, with more than 70 percent of victims drowning. Typically, deaths occurred from falls overboard or vessels capsizing.

"As boat registrations increase, so does the need for boater education and safety practices to reduce the frequency of accidents," Moore said.

A staff report

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