FL Boat Fatalities Peak In May; Polk Sheriff Provides Safety Tips

POLK COUNTY, FL — As Florida observes National Safe Boating Week heading into the Memorial Day weekend, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is repeating his yearly plea for boaters to follow the safety tips released by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

"With the more than 550 lakes in Polk County, it is the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of boating safely," Judd said. "According to the U.S. Coast Guard, four out of every five recreational boating fatalities were caused by drowning, and more than 80 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets."

While they might not be the most comfortable or stylish fashion accessory, Judd said they've been proven time and again to save lives.

He suggests boaters, passengers and even pets wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when on the water. Attach a whistle to the life vest to alert rescuers in the event of an emergency. The FWC offers tips on how to choose and fit someone for a life jacket.

With 1,013,211 boats registered in the state, Florida is No. 1 in the country for the number of boating fatalities.

In 2021, there were 60 boating fatalities in Florida, a drop from 2020 when there were 79 fatalities. The month of May traditionally sees the greatest number of fatalities.

Also in 2021, 469 received boating-related injuries, down from 534 in 2020.

According to the FWC, nearly half of all reportable boating accidents last year in Florida were due to collisions and 51 percent of those collisions were attributed to operator inattention.

Click here for a list of boating, airboat, personal water craft, skiing and diving regulations, equipment and lighting requirements for boats, and speed restrictions.

Click here for "no wake zone" laws, restricted areas, manatee protection zones and waterway marker guidelines.

Here are other must-do tips to ensure Memorial Day weekend boaters stay safe while enjoying Polk County's abundant lakes:

• Take a boating safety course and obtain a Course Completion Certificate, which allows boaters to temporarily operate a boat while applying for their Boater Safety Education ID Card. The FWC has a list of organizations that offer regular boating safety courses here. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a boat in Florida. Click here for more information.
• Never boat under the influence. Polk County marine deputies will be out in force this weekend to make sure that no one is operating a boat under the influence. Like driving on roads while under the influence, Florida considers boaters with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent and up to be intoxicated and the offense carries the same penalties as driving under the influence.
• Learn CPR, a technique that have revived countless people who have drowned.
• Use an engine cut-off device or kill switch. Its sole purpose is to keep the motor from running, which stops the propeller from turning if someone falls overboard.
• Watch the weather. If you hear thunder or see lightning flash, it's time to get off the water.
• Make a float plan and make sure someone on shore has a copy of the plan. The plan asks for details on the make, model and registration number of the boat, when the boater plans to go out and return, and allows boaters to list all passengers. A copy of the float plan can be found here.

“Lots of people will take advantage of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to enjoy a day on the water. And while everyone has different opinions of what a perfect day on the water looks like, everyone wants to end the day uninjured and alive," Judd said. "That’s why it is important that everyone in the boat wears a life jacket and practice safe boating skills. My deputies will be on the water as well this weekend, ensuring people are enjoying the holiday safely.”