Florida Boat Accident Prevention: National Safe Boating Week Underway in Fort Myers
Lee County boating accidents are down -- thanks to improved boating equipment, industry safety initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. National Safe Boating Week got underway today at Centennial Park in Fort Myers, Florida, with a demonstration of safety gear, including life vests, and proper usage techniques.
Lee County is one of South Florida's most enthusiastic and active boating communities, with 50,464 registered boats. According to news reports, Lee County reduced its accidents-to-boats ratio by 30% in recent years, down to 1 accident for every 2,220 boats (compared to earlier data showing 1 accident for every 1,534 boats). Since 2007, boating fatalities, injuries, and reportable boating accidents were all down for the region.
The waters in and around Lee County are patrolled by a number of law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard; the Army Corps of Engineers; the Lee County Sheriff's Office; police departments in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sanibel; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection. The agencies of the Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force are credited with improving the boating safety of Lee County's waters.
Experienced Fort Myers boating accident lawyers have seen how a carefree time on South Florida's waters -- whether in a speed boat, fishing boat, or on a personal watercraft -- can abruptly turn tragic. The Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force reports that...
- Most boating accidents are caused by collisions, and most people who die in boating accidents drown.
- All vessels must carry a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket for each person on board.
- Children under age 6 must wear a USCG-approved personal floatation device (PFD) at all times on vessels under 26 feet in length.
- Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved PFD when on vessels venturing more than 9 miles offshore, unless they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that nationally, more than 2/3 of boating accident fatalities were drownings, and 90 percent of those drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Promoting increased use of life jackets is a focus of this year's North American Safe Boating Campaign.
Fort Myers event promotes safe boating
News-Press.com May 14, 2009
Related Web Resources
2009 North American Safe Boating Campaign
