As Labor Day weekend approaches, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying Florida’s waterways. FWC officers will be out in full force during the holiday weekend, focusing on preventing reckless or impaired boating and other dangerous violations.
Last year, there were no boating fatalities reported during the busy Labor Day weekend, thanks to the efforts of FWC officers who removed nearly 20 impaired vessel operators and issued over 380 citations. Additionally, they provided safety education and warnings to more than 2,800 boaters.
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“I hope we can again report no boating fatalities this year,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of FWC’s Law Enforcement Division. “However, despite our efforts, this summer has been particularly deadly on Florida’s waters. We urge boaters to designate a sober operator and wear life jackets to prevent accidents. A great day on the water can quickly turn tragic if safety precautions are ignored.”
To further reduce boating accidents, FWC encourages boaters to maintain 360-degree awareness, pay attention at all times, and complete a boater safety course. In 2023, over 80% of operators involved in fatal accidents had no formal boater education. Boaters can find more information on Florida’s regulations and available courses at MyFWC.com/Boating.
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FWC also reminds those renting boats, including personal watercraft, to familiarize themselves with Florida’s boating safety regulations and ensure they rent from a permitted livery. Additional information on liveries can be found on the FWC website.
To report dangerous boating activity, the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC,” along with the location and details, or by calling 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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