Photo: CBS 12
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is spreading the message of boating safety.
Florida is recognized as the boating capital of the world, with over a million registered vessels and the FWC says there were 659 reported boating accidents last year.
They include 52 in Palm Beach County, 2 of them fatal. 14 in Martin, thankfully none of those were fatal and out of the four accidents in Indian River County in 2023, one was fatal.
"Just like driving in a car, a boat you always have to pay attention as well. Only this time you could have traffic coming from any direction. It's not just a two-lane highway. You've got the whole open ocean around you."
FWC Public Information Officer Tyson Matthews says boaters need to maintain awareness of their surroundings at all times and to take a boater safety course.
The agency reminds boaters that officers are always patrolling our waterways and keeping an eye out for those who could be a danger to others, including those drinking and boating.
If you notice someone is operating a boat dangerously, call FWC at (888) 404-3922 and receive a reward of up to $500 for the information you report.
Click Here for tips on safe boating.