by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
A long weekend is a great time to jump in a boat and enjoy the area’s many waterways, but safety should be at the top of the list as boat season kicks into high gear.
With 77 fatalities reported last year, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida continues to lead the nation. A large number could be avoided if boaters pay more attention to safety, said Rob Winslow, of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.
“Most of the fatalities involve someone drowning,” said Winslow. “Most victims have flotation devices in their boat, but they just didn’t use them.”
Florida requires, for a boat 16 feet to 26 feet long, one approved personal flotation device (PFD) Type I, II, or III for each person on board or being towed and a throwable Type IV device on board. Also required are a fire extinguisher, a visual distress signal and a sound producing device (bell, whistle or horn).
The comfort of PFDs has greatly increased from the days of the big, puffy orange life preservers. Some PFDs resemble flat horse collars that can be inflated automatically when they hit the water or manually with the pull of a cord. This style is a lot less cumbersome than traditional PFDs and can be seen on most marine law enforcement personnel.
People paddling kayaks or canoes on the waterways are also subject to safety requirements, and need to have a PFD for everyone on board, a visual distress signal and a sound producing device.
Safe boating isn’t just about having the proper gear for emergencies, it is also about how boaters conduct themselves on the water.
“We are really cracking down at the no wake zones in the area,” said Winslow. “Boaters need to be aware of where they are and control their speed when necessary.”
Reckless and/or careless operation of a boat is a first degree misdemeanor. Reckless operation of a boat is not only a danger to other boaters, but wildlife as well.
“Manatee season has started and we have an active protection program,” said Jim Suber, consultant to Marinas and Waterways/Dockmaster for the City of Jacksonville. “We had over 140 in the area at last count and they are in the river pretty early this year with the water warming up.”
Suber hopes boaters will pay attention to posted manatee areas and give the large mammals room to move if they see them in the water.
Manatees are protected by both federal and state law. Conviction on the federal level is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison.
Manatees may not be the only objects swerving in the water if boaters decided to have a few drinks during their trip. The operator of the vessel is subject to the same rules as someone driving a car. People operating a boat must have a blood alcohol content of .08 or below or they can be charged with boating under the influence. The level for anyone under the age of 21 is .02. Failure to submit to testing can lead to suspension of driving privileges, similar to driving a vehicle.
“We don’t have to have probable cause to stop a boat,” said Winslow. “We can stop any boat to perform a safety check.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is working to improve the safety of our nation’s borders by keeping track of boats moving in and out of America’s waterways.
With the arrival of summer, long weekends present the opportunity for Florida boaters to go island hopping, but boaters are now required to notify U.S. Customs and Border Protection when they leave or return to U.S. waters.
Boaters can participate in the Local Boater Option (LBO) program or be required to report to the port of entry for a face-to-face inspection.
The LBO allows boaters to register their boat and notify by phone U.S. Customs and Border Protection of their departure, return and if they have anything to declare.
Enrollment in the LBO program is voluntary and free. Failure to report can result in civil penalties, which can include a penalty of up to $5,000 for the first violation and up to $10,000 for further infractions.
All documented or registered boats, 30 feet in length or greater, crossing the international border are subject to an annual processing fee of $27.50.
Hints and tips
• Travel responsibly on designated waterways and launch your watercraft in designated areas.
• Travel only in areas open to your type of boat.
• Carry a Coast Guard approved life vest (PFD) for each person on board.
• Always operate your boat at a safe speed.
• Always have a designated lookout to keep an eye out for other boaters, objects, and swimmers.
• Never jump a wake.
• If crossing a wake, cross at lower speeds and keep a close look out for skiers and towables.
• Comply with all signs and barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones, and underwater obstructions, etc.
• Make every effort to always go boating with a partner.
• Make certain your trailer is in proper working order and that your lights work and your boat is secure on the trailer before you trav- el to your destination. When trailering your boat, balance your load including items stowed inside your boat.
• Respect the rights of others including anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
• Show consideration to all recreationists on and around the waters.
• Be courteous to other boaters while in boat ramp areas. Launch and retrieve your boat as quickly as possible.
• Keep the noise down — especially around shore.
• If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).