Mainstreet Daily News
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced on Friday that Florida continues to lead the nation and has passed the mark of 1 million registered recreational vessels.
In an FWC press release, with its year-round weather and access to fresh and saltwater, Florida is known as the “Boating Capital of the World.” With more vessels on the water, the FWC reminds residents and visitors to practice safe boating.
According to the FWC, the top five Florida counties for vessel registration are Miami-Dade (74,622), Pinellas (53,867), Lee (50,304), Broward (47,741) and Hillsborough (41,495).
“Crossing the million mark just confirms what we always knew—Florida is the top state for boaters,” said Maj. Rob Beaton, boating and waterways section leader, in the release. “And with more boats on the water, we want to spread the word about boating safety to both residents and visitors enjoying Florida’s year-round boating season. A safe day while boating is a great day. Nothing can ruin a fun and memorable experience on the water faster than a boating accident.”
The FWC encourages boaters to wear life jackets, maintain 360-degree awareness while operating a boat and know both the dangers and penalties for operating a vessel while impaired.
“Life-changing tragedies happen because individuals choose to operate a boat while impaired. Those tragedies are preventable,” said Maj. Beaton in the release. “As law enforcement, it is our job to do all we can to ensure the safety of all boaters.”
Check out MyFWC.com/Boating for boating safety tips and search there for the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to locate a place to launch your boat.