\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWith Memorial Day weekend launching the busy summer boating season, Florida officials are urging people heading onto the water to prioritize safety and preparation.State wildlife officials say waterways across Florida are expected to be crowded during the holiday weekend, increasing the risk of accidents for inexperienced and seasoned boaters alike.A new state report found Florida recorded 694 boating accidents last year, an increase from the previous two years. Drowning remained the leading cause of death in boating incidents, according to the report.Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said many accidents can be prevented by following basic safety measures, including wearing life jackets, staying sober and remaining alert while navigating busy waterways.”It\u2019s important that you know all of the navigational rules and you keep your head on a swivel,” said FWC Officer Chris Boley. “While you might know all that stuff, with all the other boats out there, you don\u2019t know if the boat next to you has a seasoned captain with thousands of hours of experience or if it\u2019s someone who rented a vessel for the day and it\u2019s their first time on a boat.”The agency also recommends taking a boating safety course before heading out on the water.Companies like Freedom Boat Club are expanding hands-on training opportunities ahead of the holiday weekend. The company recently launched a training course taught by U.S. Coast Guard-certified captains in Seminole and Volusia counties.Unlike many online-only programs, the course includes practical instruction such as docking, navigating boat traffic and anchoring.”The best part is we get in the boat, and we actually do a hands-on training where I could talk about wind and current, or we could get in the boat and experience it,” said Captain Charlie Beardsley, with Freedom Boat Club.Instructors said heavy holiday traffic on Florida waterways can quickly create dangerous conditions, especially for inexperienced boaters.”So, it\u2019s very important to know all the skills that we\u2019re doing just to keep you safe out there,” instructor Kyle Gaffney said.Florida wildlife officials said preparation, awareness and responsible boating practices can help reduce accidents and save lives during one of the busiest boating weekends of the year.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
With Memorial Day weekend launching the busy summer boating season, Florida officials are urging people heading onto the water to prioritize safety and preparation.<\/p>\n
State wildlife officials say waterways across Florida are expected to be crowded during the holiday weekend, increasing the risk of accidents for inexperienced and seasoned boaters alike.<\/p>\n
A new state report found Florida recorded 694 boating accidents last year, an increase from the previous two years. Drowning remained the leading cause of death in boating incidents, according to the report.<\/p>\n
Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said many accidents can be prevented by following basic safety measures, including wearing life jackets, staying sober and remaining alert while navigating busy waterways.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s important that you know all of the navigational rules and you keep your head on a swivel,” said FWC Officer Chris Boley. “While you might know all that stuff, with all the other boats out there, you don\u2019t know if the boat next to you has a seasoned captain with thousands of hours of experience or if it\u2019s someone who rented a vessel for the day and it\u2019s their first time on a boat.”<\/p>\n
The agency also recommends taking a boating safety course before heading out on the water.<\/p>\n