In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety on the water. The hurricane has caused significant impacts on Florida’s coastal and inland waterways, making boating conditions potentially hazardous.
The FWC is advising boaters in affected areas to stay off the water to avoid interfering with ongoing storm response efforts. If you must be on the water, exercise extreme caution, maintain safe speeds, and follow Florida’s boating laws, which require vessels to operate at slow speeds (minimum wake) within 300 feet of emergency vessels with activated lights.
Read: President Biden Increases Federal Aid For Florida’s Hurricane Helene Recovery
Even if you are familiar with the waters, be on high alert for new underwater hazards, such as submerged navigation aids and altered depths due to shifting sands. The storm may have relocated or damaged pilings, trees, shoals, sandbars, and navigation markers, creating potential dangers for boaters.
As always, ensure all passengers are wearing life jackets to stay safe on the water.
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the safety of residents and visitors of Florida remains our top priority,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “We urge all boaters to remain vigilant and cautious on the water, as familiar waters may now hide new dangers. Emergency response efforts will continue as we work toward restoring our waterways. Together, we can ensure a safer boating experience during this challenging time.”
Read: AccuWeather Warns Of Potential Tropical Threat To Florida Following Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
To report missing or damaged waterway markers, call 866-405-2869 or fill out an online form at MyFWC.com/boating by selecting “Waterway Management,” then “Waterway Markers,” and “Reporting Damaged/Missing Waterway Markers.”
To report displaced vessels, contact Wildlife Alert by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the violation, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), or submit a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
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