|
Governor, Cabinet and FWC push for
boating safety
May 15, 2007
Contact: Brian Rehwinkle (850) 410-0656, ext. 17146
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet
voiced support today for the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) and its partners’ efforts to
increase boating safety awareness and lessen boating deaths
statewide.
Crist and Cabinet members signed a proclamation
designating May 19-25 as Florida’s National Safe Boating Week.
"There is no better place than Florida to enjoy
the outdoors and we want to make sure all Floridians can enjoy
water sports and recreation safely” Crist said. "I encourage all
Floridians and visitors to our state to practice safe boating
and to wear life jackets.”
FWC Capt. Richard Moore said he is pleased with
the Governor and Cabinet’s support of FWC and its partners’ --
the National Safe Boating Council, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron -- efforts to ensure
boating continues to be one of the greatest recreational
activities in Florida.
The partners work tirelessly to increase public
awareness about safe boating practices and the importance of
wearing a life jacket.
The proclamation encourages Floridians and
visitors to stay alert for danger approaching from any
direction; develop a life jacket habit, take an approved safe
boating course and get a vessel check.
"Florida leads the nation in registered boats,
and I am glad to say efforts throughout the state have led to
dramatic reductions in boating accident rates in spite of our
growing boating population,” Col. Julie Jones, FWC’s law
enforcement director, told the Governor and Cabinet.
"Unfortunately, our boating fatality rates have
risen. We offer our condolences to the families and friends of
the 69 people who tragically lost their lives in boating
accidents last year in our state,” she said. "They are daily
reminders we still have a lot of challenging work to do.
"Our staff is committed to working with partners
to incorporate creative ideas and emerging technology to ensure
each person’s precious time in Florida is safe and enjoyable. I
believe we live in the greatest boating state in the nation, and
we intend to see it just gets better -- and safer -- for all of
us to enjoy.” |
