Brought to you by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells
There’s a reason we love Manatee County: with access to rivers, the intracoastal waterway, Tampa Bay, and the Gulf of America, we can enjoy boating year-round. However, as the weather gets warmer, we see more traffic on the waterways and it’s important for us to talk about safe boating practices.
Deputies assigned to our Marine Unit are responsible for approximately 150 miles of coastal shoreline and nearly 9,000 acres of freshwater lakes and ponds. The Marine Unit’s routine patrol area extends 9 nautical miles offshore in the Gulf. These deputies patrol to raise awareness about speed and manatee zones, conduct routine safety checks, and educate the public about boating regulations.
Here are a few reminders:
1. Always Wear Your Life Jacket: Wearing a life jacket is the most important measure you can take to ensure your safety when boating. Studies show that this is the number one way to prevent drowning or fatalities on the water.
2. Obey Speed Zones and Stay Alert: A significant percentage of boating accidents occur due to collisions resulting from operator inattention. Watch your speed, stay focused and maintain a 360-degree awareness while operating a boat.
3. Designate a Sober Driver: About a quarter of all boating accidents are related to alcohol or drugs. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal, and operators can face arrest if found under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Celebrate after you’re done boating or ensure you have a designated driver.
4. Know the Weather Conditions: Weather on the water can change rapidly. Always check the forecast before boating and keep an eye out for storms and rough seas.
5. Take a Boating Safety Course: Approximately three-quarters of operators involved in fatal boating accidents have no formal boater education. An educated boater is a safer boater! All boat operators can benefit from taking a boating safety course, even those not legally required to do so.
When you see one of our well-equipped 32-foot Intrepid Marine Interceptors or our 33-foot Life Proof RHIB, know that we are there to ensure everyone has a safe and lawful day on the water. Don’t hesitate to flag us down if you have questions or encounter any issues while boating.
Various organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council, provide resources and tools to promote safe boating. Familiarize yourself with the rules and learn more about regulations related to boaters and personal watercraft at www.MyFWC.com/Boating
Online Resources:
FWC Derelict Vessel:
http://www.myfwc.com/boating/waterway/derelict-vessels/
FWC Boating Regulations:
https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations
FWC Boating Safety Equipment Requirements:
https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/equipment
FWC Boating Safety and Education:
