BOATING SAFETY TIPS FOR OPERATORS
June 3, 2005
CONTACT: Gary Morse (863) 648-3203
In the hands of a skilled operator who stays alert, a personal watercraft (PWC) can be a fun and safe way to enjoy recreational boating. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) urges all boat operators to develop the habit of maintaining a proper lookout by constantly searching in a 360 degree arc around their vessel. This is an especially important skill for those operating a PWC.
“Nothing with comparable horsepower can match the shear excitement of operating one of these nimble craft. But, the ability of the craft to turn tightly and at high speed is also what gets boaters who don’t stay alert, into trouble,” said Gary Morse, Public Information Coordinator for the FWC.
Some safety tips for PWC operators and other boaters:
 |
Put your eyes on a swivel. Look about and behind you constantly. |
|
Know where other traffic is at all times and give other boaters a wide berth where practical. |
|
Stay away from other vessels when maneuvering at high speed. |
|
Do not follow other vessels closely in an effort to jump their wake. |
|
When traveling with other PWCs, make sure there is enough separation between vessels to prevent collision should the other operator maneuver suddenly. |
The FWC also reminds boaters that they must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft in Florida. A person must be at least 18 years of age to rent a personal watercraft in this state. Anyone 21 years of age or younger is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed a course equivalency or temporary certificate. Additionally, they must have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 HP or more in Florida.
Since May 21, 2005, there have been six accidents involving PWCs between Tampa Bay and Ft. Myers, which resulted in serious injury or death. Officers with the FWC report that in all cases, the accidents were primarily caused by a failure of the operator to stay alert. Five of the instances involved collisions with other boats. The other injury resulted from a high speed collision with a fixed object.
For more information about the FWC’s boating safety program, visit MyFWC.com and click on “boating”.
Click Here To Return To The Previous Page
