Think about your ideal summer day: gathering your family & friends to head out on the boat with a packed cooler and clear blue skies. While that may sound like a dream, that good time doesn't come without responsibility. To protect ourselves, wildlife, and sustain our fragile ecosystem, safety should always be at the forefront when out on the water. This doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself, but practicing safe and responsible boating will ensure you have that perfect day and allow future generations to enjoy our beautiful surroundings for years to come.
Each action you take can make a difference: launching your vessel safely; having proper equipment onboard; being kind and courteous to other boaters; removing trash from the water and picking up debris near boat ramps and launch sites; showing respect to other fisherman in the area; and most importantly, honoring navigational rules and boating regulatory zones.
If you are new to boating and the coastal lifestyle, it is always a good practice to take an experienced waterman along with you for guidance. A fun day out on the water can become very dangerous in moment's notice if you are not familiar with everyday occurrences (tides, currents, storms, navigational guides, motor malfunctions, and vessel equipment).
While it remains the captain's duty as the main operator of the vessel, everyone on board has a shared responsibility to serve as a 'lookout' and point out wildlife, other boats, navigational signs, and potential weather threats. Start your day by taking a moment to discuss a plan with all passengers on your vessel before departure, and review basic safety before leaving the boat ramp.
Launching your vessel at a public boat ramp can be a difficult task that could become rather stressful. If you are new to launching and loading a boat, be sure and recruit help. Designate a lookout to guide you up and down the launch ramp while securing lines to your vessel for easier loading/unloading. Also consider visiting the boat ramp for a practice launch during slower times frames when you can take your time and not feel rushed.
In short, avoid launching your vessel on weekends at the busier of boat ramps. When possible, try a weekday when the traffic and pressure is lighter.
There are free Florida Boater guides available at most outdoor, boating, bait shops, and sporting goods stores that can provide you with some basic safety information. You can also read up on information provided from both FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and/or the U.S. Coast Guard. Take advantage of all the free resources you can and create a checklist that can be easily reviewed before each outing.
Knowing what size or type life jackets, navigational lights, fire extinguishers, ventilation systems, Visual Distress Signals (VDSs), sound producing devices, sound signals, and diver-down warning devices is essential.
If you spot another boat in distress while on your vessel, offer assistance or to call for help. Normally FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard, local Sheriff, or local Tow-Boat agencies are within close proximity to all river situations.
When you place a distress call, be prepared to relay your location (Longitude & Latitude coordinates or recognized landmarks) and the reason for your call as this will help to expedite the response to your situation When on the water, be very observant of your surroundings and respect the space of wildlife and other boaters.
Keep an eye out for wildlife such as birds, manatees, and dolphin pods in an effort to avoid contact or collision Do your best to provide ample space between you and other fishing vessels. You want to prevent from crossing fishing lines and intruding on the fishing space of others. There is plenty of area and a wide variety of fishing holes in our Central Florida region. Meaning, there is NO reason to crowd other boats and fisherman when out on the water.
Everyone can easily do their part in removing trash and unwanted debris from the water - even while launching your boat, try and pick up any trash you might notice scattered around the parking lot or near the water's edge this can prevent it from making its way into the water and being consumed by marine life.
Florida law requires anyone who was born after January Ist, 1988, to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Card issued by the FWC.
You can find boater safety courses being advertised through FWC, the U.S. Coast Guard, Boat ED., or Boat U.S. These courses are designed to ensure you are comfortable and confident behind the wheel of a motorized vessel. Ensuring you understand what to do when encountering other vessels, navigation rules, nighttime navigation, U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON), first aid situations, fire safety, and how to operate a VHF Radio are among the basics reviewed in a boater's safety course.
Otherwise, do your best to stay up to date on new boating laws and policies to ensure the safety of you, your friends, your family, and surrounding boaters. For state boating law information, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Simply visit the FWC website at www.MyFWC.com or call (850)488-5600.
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