FWC Recommends

Following is extracted from a Sept 3, FWC release:

The FWC recommends the following safe boating practices: 

• Never boat under the influence. Have a designated sober operator. 

• Always wear a life jacket aboard a vessel. 

• Have a float plan. Let family and friends know where you are going and when you will return. The sooner rescuers can get on the water and to the location of an overdue boater, the more likely the outcome will be positive. 

• Purchase, register and have on board the boat an emergency locator beacon. This could be an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). These devices can be used by any boater to ensure search-and-rescue teams find you quickly in the event of an emergency. 

• Take a boating safety course. According to FWC boating accident statistics, 69% of operators involved in fatal boating accidents in 2020 had no formal boater education. 

• Watch the weather. The National Weather Service broadcasts marine weather forecasts regularly by radio or check the NWS website at noaa.gov. 

To report people who are operating boats dangerously, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Boating