Take the Pledge
I pledge to set a good example for my passengers by wearing my life jacket at all times while boating.
I pledge to always pay attention while operating my boat, including making sure I have 360 degree awareness around my boat.
I pledge to learn and observe all boating regulations, navigation rules, and vessel safety requirements.
I pledge to protect natural resources and I will not needlessly disturb wildlife.
I pledge to minimize use of alcohol on my boat.
Overview
The enjoyment of boating in Florida is one of the reasons Florida is the home of millions of people and the vacation destination for many others. From ponds and rivers to bays and the open ocean, boaters enjoy the benefits of being in one of the greatest boating spots on earth. In order to get the maximum enjoyment out of your Florida boating experience, it is critical that you have a thorough understanding of boating safety principles. Some of the most important boating safety resources are provided in the following links.
Safety Equipment
It would be nice if we knew an emergency was about to occur; however, we rarely get a second chance to prepare for an emergency in the real world. Having all of your required and necessary safety equipment on your boat before you head out on the water is an important first step. To learn more about the safety equipment required for your size and type of boat, please visit our site at http://myfwc.com/boating/safety/vessel_class/requirements.asp
Florida Boating Laws
Knowing the boating laws can help you stay safe and also help avoid that unwelcome citation from a boating law enforcement officer. It only takes a few minutes to become familiar with the legal requirements for you and your boat…you’ll be glad you did. For a comprehensive summary of Florida’s boating laws, please visit our site at http://myfwc.com/boating/safety/law_summary.htm
Boating Safety Education
Knowledge is power. The more knowledge you have regarding the safe operation of your boat, the more ability you have to enjoy this boating paradise called Florida. You are never too young or old to learn a thing or two about boating safety. To learn more information about how to take any of a number of approved boating safety courses and even to qualify for a discount on your boat insurance, please visit our site at http://myfwc.com/boating/safety/FAQ.htm
Boating Accident Statistics
Boating accidents come in all forms. Accidents can occur at any time of the day, in any body of water. In fact, you might be a little surprised at what the statistics tell you about boating accidents after the accident data has been analyzed and put into a report. For more information on Florida’s annual boating accident statistics, please visit our site at http://myfwc.com/law/boating/
Fatal Boating Accidents
Florida has the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in deaths due to boating accidents. Contrary to what many people may think, many of the accidents don’t involve drunks who crash into something at high speed in some type of spectacular event. Many of these fatal accidents appear to be somewhat uneventful, other than the fact that someone lost their life. They usually take place in calm, protected waters and involve a middle age or older man who has plenty of boating experience and knows how to swim. More often than not, the victims drown as a result of unexpectedly falling overboard. It’s really easy to make sure that you never become one of these statistics. Always pay attention when operating your boat and always wear your life jacket! To read a short narrative of all of the fatal boating accidents in 2005 and 2006, please visit our site at http://myfwc.com/Boating/safety/2005BoatAccidents.htm
Accident Reporting
No one wants to be involved in a boating accident, nor do we expect it will happen to us. However, if you are involved in a reportable boating accident, you need to know a little about the specific requirements for reporting the accident. Learning more about boating accident reporting requirements is one of your responsibilities as a boat operator. To learn more, please visit our site at http://myfwc.com/boating/safety/reporting_accidents.htm