FL Leads Nation In Number Of Boating Deaths: FWC Offers Safety Tips

FLORIDA, FL — Boaters are expected to hit the water in huge numbers this Memorial Day weekend, and state officials urge boaters to be sure everyone wears life jackets and those operating boats avoid alcohol.

With 1,013,211 registered boats in Florida, accidents on the water are inevitable. In fact, Florida is No. 1 in the country for the number of boating fatalities, followed by Texas. In 2021, Florida recorded 60 boating deaths, and 79 in 2020, the FWC said.

The majority of boating accidents with fatalities and injuries occur in May, said Major Rob Beaton, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation boating and waterways section leader.

Hillsborough County led the state with the most boating fatalities in 2021 (10 deaths), followed by Brevard with nine deaths, and Pinellas, Palm Beach and Collier counties with eight deaths each.

However, Beaton said boaters can still have fun on the water while heeding Florida's boating laws.

“Our state is known worldwide as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors. Unfortunately, each year, FWC officers respond to far too many tragic boating accidents that could have been prevented,” Beaton said. “There were hundreds of accidents reported last year, involving almost 2,000 individuals.”

In 2022, 54 percent of all boating accidents involved collisions, primarily due to the inexperience of boaters or boaters not paying attention, Beaton said.

While a boat operator's passengers may be partying, he said it's essential that the person operating the boat doesn't allow himself to get distracted.

Additionally, in 2022, 70 percent of operators involved in fatal boating accidents had no formal boater education.

Florida law requires that boaters take a boating safety course and obtain a Course Completion Certificate, which allows them to temporarily operate a boat while applying for their Boater Safety Education ID Card, which is mandated under Florida law.

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.

“We know that an educated boater is safer on the water,” said Beaton. “Everyone can benefit from taking a boating safety course. It makes for a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone on board.”

Life Jackets Save Lives

Beaton said his officers are also sticklers about life jackets and will not hesitate to use the flashing blue lights on their FWC marine vessels to pull over boats when they see that not everyone on the vessel is wearing a life jacket, which is required by Florida law.

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

He advises that all boaters, passengers, and even pets wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when on the water, even if they consider themselves to be strong swimmers.

Not even Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps would stand a chance in the water if he falls from a boat during a collision and is knocked unconscious. Without a life jacket to maintain buoyancy, an unconscious person would slip beneath the surface.

It's also crucial, said Beaton, to wear a life jacket that's fitted properly. Life jackets aren't "one size fits all." A child can easily slip out of an adult-sized life jacket. The FWC offers tips on how to choose and fit someone for a life jacket.

Another good idea is to attach a whistle to the life jacket in case a passenger gets separated from the boat and needs to signal his or her location. Better yet, many boaters invest in a waterproof carrying case with a lanyard for their cellphones that they can wear around their necks and use to call for help. Water-tight cellphone pouches with clips or lanyards can be purchased through Amazon for as low as $8.99.

Drinking While Boating Dangers

When it comes to drinking while boating, Beaton said the FWC has a zero-tolerance policy. Alcohol and drugs can impair a boater’s judgement, reaction time and overall ability to operate a boat safely, he said.

“Boating while impaired by alcohol or drugs is dangerous and illegal,” said Beaton. “FWC officers are always on the lookout for impaired operators and these operators will face arrest if found to be operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

He said boaters will see FWC officers along with partner sheriff's offices and police departments out in full force this three-day weekend.

Like driving on roads while under the influence, Florida considers boaters with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent and up to be intoxicated. The offense carries the same penalties as driving under the influence.

Boaters can report intoxicated boaters anonymously by texting 847411 (Tip 411) using the keyword "FWC," followed by the location. Beaton said there's also an easy-to-use downloadable iPhone or Android app: “FWC Wildlife Alert.”

Here are some other tips from the FWC to boat safely this Memorial Day weekend:

• Make sure your boat is outfitted with all necessary emergency equipment, such as flares, and navigational lights.
• Although not required by law for boats under 65.5 feet long, the U.S. Coast Guard highly recommends investing in a marine VHF radio, which allows instant communication between boaters boat and other boats, marinas, bridges and the Coast Guard.
• Boaters should understand and heed waterway marker guidelines, "No Wake Zone" laws, restricted areas, manatee protection zones and speed restrictions. There are also specific regulations regarding airboats, personal water craft, skiing and diving. Click here for an explanation of waterway markers and specific rules for different types of watercraft.
• Learn CPR. It's a simple-to-learn technique that has 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. Anyone who's lived in Florida any length of time knows that storms can move in fast so there's no wiggle room to get to shore.
• Make a float plan and make sure someone on shore has a copy of the plan. The plan allows boaters to provide details on the make, model and registration number of their boats, specifies when the boater plans to go out and return, and asks boaters to list the names and ages of all passengers. A copy of the float plan can be found here.