You are here: miami boating magazine > miami boating news

Boating Fatalities in Florida up 24 Percent from Last Year
Increased fatalities prompt FWC to reach out to boaters

Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2010

 
e-mail E-mail this page
print Printer-friendly page

With just a few weeks remaining in the year, 2010 has proved to be a tragic one for boating accidents. So far, there have been 76 boating
fatalities, a 24-percent increase from this time last year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants Florida boaters to
reverse this trend.

"The most unfortunate part about these statistics is boating fatalities are usually preventable," said Capt. Tom Shipp of the FWC's Boating and
Waterways Section.

While the FWC patrols Florida's waterways and strongly promotes boating safety year-round, this year's higher number of fatalities prompted an
increased emphasis on prevention. At least 41 of the 76 deaths were due to drowning, and the FWC has some advice about that.

"One of the best ways to prevent a drowning is simply to wear a life jacket," Shipp said. "Boaters don't always expect to find themselves in
the water, but if they do, a life jacket can save a life."

There is a variety of life jackets available to boaters. New styles are much smaller, lighter and more comfortable to wear than the traditional vest-style life
jacket.

"The 'belt pack' is worn around the waist. A 'suspender' style is also available," said Brian Rehwinkel, outreach coordinator for the FWC's Boating and Waterways
Section. "These types of life jackets are inflatable, and some models activate automatically if the wearer falls into the water."

While a few unusual accidents have occurred this year, the majority are similar to those of recent years. They involve boaters failing to pay attention to their surroundings, neglecting to wear life jackets and
operating at high speeds.

"We strongly urge boaters to follow safe boating practices," Shipp said. "Pay attention to the weather and your surroundings, make sure your boat and motor are in
good working condition, check all safety equipment before embarking, and don't drink and operate a boat."

The FWC also encourages boaters of any age to take a boating safety course. To find a course or more boating safety information<http://myfwc.com/SAFETY/Safety_Boat_Safety_index.htm>, visit
MyFWC.com/Boating or call 850-488-5600.

 
e-mail E-mail this page
print Printer-friendly page
 
 



Latest articles in Miami Boating News
 
BoatUS: Anchoring Restrictions Under Review by Florida Legislature: Apr. 2, 2015
FL House Committee Bill HWSS 15-06 Has New Number: HB 7123
 
Coast Guard to Implement Safety Zones in Biscayne Bay for New Year's Fireworks: Dec. 30, 2014
Important info if you will be watching fireworks from the water in Miami
 
Float Plan Helps Save Four Boaters Near Big Pine Key: Dec. 10, 2014
A simple, but effective tool for when emergencies happen.
 
Boaters Must Speak Up Today on Anchoring in Florida: Dec. 7, 2014
FWC Online Survey Closes Today. Dec. 7
 
Operation Dry Water Coming to Biscayne National Park June 27 - 29: Jun. 13, 2014
Nationwide crackdown focuses on critical safety issue affecting our local waters
 

Miami Boating News

↑ Grab this Headline Animator


Our Partners:
FtLauderdaleBoating.com Jacksonville-Boating.com
FloridaKeysBoating.com
BahamasBoating.com AtlanticCoastBoating.com
KidsAboard.com

More Resources:
Homeschool Evaluations
Homeschooling Florida
Homeschooling Girls
Kids Aboard Workshops
Florida Keys Cruising Guide
Farmland for Sale

Marine Directory and Magazine for Miami, South Florida and Beyond
Boating, Fishing, Sailing, Watersports