86 Percent of Boating Deaths Could Be Prevented With Life Jackets

FLORIDA — Summer officially began Tuesday and, with it, the return of water activities, including boating.

With more than one million registered vessels across the state, Florida leads the nation in the number of boaters.

Unfortunately, each year Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers respond to many tragic boating accidents that could have been prevented.

“Reminding people to be safe and slow down is our top priority. Nothing can ruin an enjoyable and memorable experience on the water faster than a boating accident," said Maj. Rob Beaton, FWC's boating and waterways section leader. "With so many people enjoying Florida’s year-round boating season, we encourage boaters to boat safely.”

Among other boating safety tips found on the FWC website page for boaters, boaters are encouraged to wear their life jackets, maintain 360-degree awareness and know the dangers (and penalties) for operating a vessel while impaired.

According to FWC boating accident statistics, over half of all reportable boating accidents in 2021 were due to collisions, with 45 percent of those collisions attributed to operator inattention or improper lookout.

The Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for most boating accidents, and life jackets could prevent nearly 86 percent of boating-related deaths.

“All too often, preventable tragedies happen because individuals choose to operate a boat while distracted or impaired,” said Beaton. “FWC law enforcement officers will be doing their part to ensure the safety of Florida’s recreational boaters.”

Florida has more than 1,300 miles of coastline, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, 7,800 lakes, and 4,000 square miles of estuaries, and Florida's coastal waters are home to the greatest number of recreational boats and saltwater fishermen in the United States, according to the FWC.

To help regulate this number of boaters, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues boating licenses and temporary certificates for those who want to operate a boat and successfully complete the boating safety education requirements.

Safe boating includes carrying lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses, participating in free boat safety checks and staying sober when navigating.

The FWC is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and compiling boating accident data for the state.

Its statistical report details boating accidents and their causes. For a copy of the 2021 Boating Accident Statistical Report, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and select “Safety & Education” and “Boating Accidents.”

To report people who are boating dangerously, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com.

Visit Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder to help find a place to launch a boat.