New Florida Boating Safety Law Aims to Prevent Boat Accidents Involving Young Operators
News-Press.com of Fort Myers reports that a new Florida state boating safety law that went into effect in January is designed to better prepare young people to avoid boating accidents.
The new law states that people born on or after January 1, 1988, must pass an approved Florida boater safety course to operate any boat or personal watercraft vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater. It replaces the previous law, which required Florida boating safety education for anyone younger than age 21 operating a boat or water vessel of the same horsepower.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issues boater safety education ID cards to people who pass their safety requirements. An estimated 55,000 boats are registered in Lee County, Florida, and one million boats are registered in the entire state of Florida. As Fort Myers boat and watercraft accident lawyers know too well -- inadequately trained, impaired, and reckless boat operators can cause serious boat accidents on Florida waters, leading to drowning, maiming, disability, and death.
Parasailing accidents represent another area of concern related to boating safety and recreation off Florida's beaches (parasailing involves a person being harnessed in to a parachute, which becomes airborne as it is pulled behind a speed boat on Florida ocean waters or lakes), as do swimming pool accidents that can occur at Florida hotels, resorts, in municipal and privately owned pools. Florida state safety laws, such as the new boating education requirement, are put in place in hopes of raising awareness around safe operation of boats, water skis, and other personal watercraft.
Though Florida's waters and beaches attract tourists and residents who just want to relax and have fun -- all water sports and activities come with risks. Proper safety training, state laws, and industry regulations all help keep people safe as they enjoy the natural resources Florida has to offer.
New Florida law emphasizes safe boating
News-Press.com April 20, 2010
Related Web Resources
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Boating Safety
