Boating Mishaps Spike On Thanksgiving Weekend

MIAMI, FL — First responders warned that Sunday may bring dangerous conditions from Miami to Palm Beach and urged boaters to exercise caution. Five people on kayaks had to be rescued Saturday at Baker's Haulover Cut, including one that nearly drowned, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

"I hate to see more people getting hurt tomorrow as more people are heading out," Erika Benitez of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told Patch Saturday night.

Subscribe to Miami Beach Patch's free email news alerts and newsletters

Benitez said the rescued kayakers were tourists from out of town and had no knowledge of the dangerous conditions.

"One kayaker was ejected from the kayak in the rough current, nearly drowning before being rescued," Benitez explained. "Patient was checked by MDFR Station 21 and released."

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, about 80 percent of fatal boating victims die by drowning. Of those victims — where the cause is known— some 83 percent were not wearing life jackets.

“Please check weather forecasts before heading out and always wear your life jackets and have a cell phone in a watertight case nearby in case of an emergency," Benitez stressed.

"Another misconception is that drownings happen more often in the ocean when in fact, around 90 percent of drownings occur in fresh water," Benitez explained. "A high percentage of these deaths also happen to be men, who generally perceive wearing a life jacket as an annoyance rather than a safety precaution."

She said kayakers are particularly vulnerable to drowning.

"These small vessels generally tip easily and with only one person on board," she added. “Safety should always come first. Don't become the tragic news your family will have to receive.”

Miami-Dade first responders bring rescued kayakers to shore in rough conditions on Saturday. Photo courtesy Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.