Memorial Day 2021 Safe Boating Tips In Florida: Coast Guard

FLORIDA — Boaters are reminded by the United States Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to be extra careful during Memorial Day Weekend 2021, which overlaps with National Boating Safety Week.

The holiday weekend is typically one of the busiest on Florida waters.

For your safety and that of your passengers, make sure to have boating equipment required by the United States Coast aboard your watercraft. Coast Guard crews and local law enforcement agencies will increase their patrolling duties and safety checks throughout the holiday weekend.

Major Rob Beaton with FWC said reminding people to be safe and slow down is their top priority. According to FWC boating accident statistics, almost half (402) of all reportable boating accidents in 2020 were due to collisions, 44 percent of those collisions were attributed to operator inattention or improper lookout. The FWC recommends maintaining 360-degree awareness while out on the water.

Before you leave the dock, review these boating safety tips offered by the U.S. Coast Guard:

• Always wear a life jacket. Ensure there are enough life jackets for every person on the boat. We recommend children under 12-years-old should wear one when out on the open deck.
• Boat sober. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms.
• Have a float plan. A float plan should be given to a friend or family member and includes where you are going, when you will be back, a description of your boat, and other passengers. If you change plans mid-voyage, let someone know.
• Have a marine radio. A VHF-FM radio set to channel 16 is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area or a dead battery.
• Ask the Captain. Before you get underway on a charter, or even pay for the trip, ask the captain to see their merchant mariner credentials. If the Coast Guard terminates your voyage, there is no guarantee your money will be refunded.
• Check the weather. Check the weather for storms, tides, currents and winds. Make sure you know the weather limitation of your vessel and paddlecraft.
• Dive Safely. Always use a dive flag with swimmers in the water. Boaters and personal watercraft users should look for dive flags to observe maximum safety precautions. Use GPS tracking for currents and drift.
• Have an EPIRB. Always go out with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. An EPIRB is a device designed to transmit a distress signal to emergency responders through a satellite system. Make sure the registration is updated.

Download the free Coast Guard app

Here are some safety tips from the Water Sports Foundation to help keep you and your family safe on the water, especially if you're a less experienced boater:

1. Take a boating safety education course.

Before launching your boat, be sure you are confident and comfortable at the helm, the foundation says.

There are many live, virtual and hybrid boating safety education classes available through the U.S. Coast Guard and a number of private boating education providers. For a list of educational resources, check out the National Boating Safety Media Resource Center.

2. Wear a life jacket.

Drowning is responsible for 79 percent of fatal boating accidents where the cause of death was known, according to the Water Sports Foundation. About 86 percent of those victims were not wearing life jackets.

Be sure you have life jackets for all passengers on board and that they are sized to fit.

3. Do not drink and drive.

This one should go without saying, but we will say it anyway. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to U.S. Coast Guard data. Skip the alcohol or, at the very least, designate a “Sober Skipper.”

Everything You Need For An Amazing Memorial Day Weekend

4. Invest in an emergency engine cutoff switch.

As of April 1, 2021, a federal law was passed that requires the use of an engine cutoff switch, or ECOS, an onboard safety device that is connected to the boat’s captain. Should the driver fall out of the boat, the ECOS will immediately stop the boat’s engine. Learn more about the $20 device.

5. File a float plan.

Before you leave the dock, tell friends, family or staff at the marina the names of all aboard, including contact information cell phone numbers. Be sure to include a planned itinerary complete with your destination, stops along the route and your estimated return time.

6. Watch the weather.

Know the forecast before you head out. Be sure to download a weather app on your phone and keep tabs on it regularly. If the weather turns severe, do not stay on the water — find shelter as soon as possible.

7. Communicate with passengers.

Should everyone remain seated while the boat is moving? Tell your passengers this before you leave the dock. Should everyone be wearing a life jacket? Communicate this, too. Set expectations and make the rules clear before you start the boat’s motor.

8. Comply with capacity limits.

If your boat can only hold six passengers, do not invite a seventh. If it has a weight limit, be sure to take coolers, gear, water toys and other cargo into account. If you overload your boat, you increase the risk of it capsizing.

9. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Just like when you drive on the freeway, you should keep an eye on other boaters at all times.

10. Choose destinations wisely.

If you’re new to boating, you might want to avoid setting sail on one of the busiest boating weekends of the year. However, if you insist on spending Memorial Day weekend on the water, head for less-crowded areas and avoid popular beaches and congested venues.

11. Follow posted speed limits and no-wake zones.

These are implemented with safety in mind. Disregarding them is also a quick way to incur a fine.

12. Be especially careful when boating at night.

Boating at night can add additional danger to your holiday festivities. If you plan to be out on the water past sunset, make sure all your navigation and running lights are operational. Again, avoid drinking alcohol — it can further impair your senses and visibility.

Focusing on recreational boating, the app has a float plan function, the ability to check weather reports from the nearest NOAA buoys, a function for calling for assistance when in distress and more. It is currently available for free on iOS and Android devices.

To find public boat ramps in Florida, visit FWC Boat Ramp Finder.