ST. PETERSBURG, Fla- It’s that time of the year again, Memorial Day, or what some like to call the unofficial start of summer. So this means a lot of boats are going to be on the water to celebrate, but before anyone can get a nice tan, Florida Fish and Wildlife, along with the U.S Coast Guard and several local agencies set up their first boating safety simulation to highlight the importance of safety not only for this weekend but, year-round.
One simulation started with a person going overboard into the ocean. As he was waving his arms in the air for help, Florida Fish and Wildlife Public Information Officer, Ashley Tyer, pointed out the man was wearing his life jacket while he was waiting to be rescued. She said that's one of the most important pieces of equipmentent anyone will need while on their boat and suggests people wear it.
"This is crucial to be wearing, not to just have it on board your vessel, having that life jacket on, is going to save your life," Tyer said.
Tyer also listed a flare gun and a personal locator beacon or GPS could be beneficial if there's a chance you need to be rescued. FWC officials suggested having more than one flare just in case one of them doesn't work.
"Some of these simple things that you can carry that are no bigger than your hand can really save your life and prevent some of these tragedies we had," said FWC officer, Brian Norris.
FWC says this weekend is notorious for drinking and driving on the water - in fact, they tell us 20% of accidents last year were alcohol-related. Boaters with a wide range of experience, from beginners to experts will be on the waters. Officials say with the heat, tides, and congestion of boats, it's important to pick your designated driver ahead of time.
"If you’re going to be on the water, you know you’re going to be drinking, have a designated sober operator that’s capable of driving a boat if you’re going to be out there," Norris said.
