FWC, Coast Guard embark on boating safety tour
News Release
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Media contact: Capt. Carol Keyser, 850-488-5600
Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner,
and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
reminds all Florida boaters to rededicate themselves to boating
safely. On Tuesday, May 11, Gov. Charlie Crist and Cabinet members
supported this message by passing a resolution proclaiming May
22-28 as National Safe Boating Week in Florida.
"We are losing too many lives to boating
accidents," said Col. Jim Brown, director of the FWC's Division of
Law Enforcement. "This resolution shows a collective effort to
emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant while boating."
The resolution is timely, as 26 people have already
lost their lives this year due to boating accidents. At least 17 of
them drowned.
The FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard are teaming up to
launch the first "Life Jackets for Life" tour. This effort also
includes the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, West
Marine, Sea-Doo and Revere Supply Company as part of the tour. The
campaign encourages boaters to always wear a life jacket and to
develop safe boating habits.
"The U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission have a shared passion for making
boating safer in Florida," said Bruce Wright, Recreational Boating
Specialist for the USCG's Seventh District. "We are proud to be a
partner in the 'Life Jackets for Life' tour."
The tour will kick off Sunday, May 23, in the
Intracoastal Waterway in Jacksonville, where the "Wear it Florida"
Sea-Doo Challenger 180 boat will begin the week-long journey to
Miami.
Along the way, the FWC and USCG have also scheduled
stops in New Smyrna Beach, Titusville, West Palm Beach, Pompano
Beach and Miami. The media and the public are invited to attend.
There will be boating safety information available, and those who
attend can register to win inflatable life jackets.
"We want to reach out to as many boaters as we can
to help them understand that wearing life jackets saves lives,"
said Capt. Carol Keyser, head of the FWC's Boating Safety unit.
"The wide variety of comfortable, affordable and stylish life
jackets on the market today offers Floridians of all ages the
protection they need out on the water."
The FWC also reminds the public that boating is a
great recreational activity, and Florida is an ideal spot for
it.
More information can be found by visiting
MyFWC.com/Boating or www.wearitflorida.com.
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