Sheriff: Be Careful on Bay Area Waters This Weekend

As boaters take to Tampa Bay area waters to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to temper their fun with a little caution.

“Memorial Day holiday weekend is regarded as the unofficial start to the summer boating season and one of the year’s busiest boating weekends,” the sheriff’s office wrote in an email to media. “The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office wants to emphasize the use of life jackets and safety equipment while boating in a safe and responsible manner.”

In addition, deputies caution residents to be careful about mixing alcohol into the fun – on the land or water.

“In a boat on the water, the effects of alcohol increase because of external stressors such as engine vibration, wave motion and glare from the sun,” the email warned. “Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Florida.”

Boaters who want to learn more about the laws of the water in Florida may visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission online for more details.

Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

See Also:

• DUI Wolfpack Set to Prowl Hillsborough
• Fundraiser Benefits Sunlake Football Player Injured in Tubing Accident
• Tow 2 Go Returns for Memorial Day Weekend

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