Most people who die in boating accidents share one tragic mistake—they aren’t wearing a life jacket. With summer right around the corner, local emergency crews are teaming up tomorrow to make sure you have everything you need to stay safe on the water.
The first-ever Hillsborough County Boating Safety Day takes place Friday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is happening at the Williams Park Boat Ramp, located at 9425 U.S. 41 in Riverview.
Four different local groups are joining forces for the event: the Hillsborough County Marine Safety Unit, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
If you bring your boat by, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will inspect it for free. They will look over your boat to make sure you have all the legally required safety gear before you launch.
READ: Inside Florida’s Deadly Boating Trends And The Latest Local Fatalities
The Hillsborough County Marine Safety Unit will be teaching people how to fit and use life jackets correctly. They will also have a limited number of loaner life jackets available for boaters who need them.
Fire crews will be on hand to teach boaters how to prevent fires on board and handle dangerous materials safely. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and fire rescue special operations teams will have their official boats and gear on display for the public to see.
Organizers said the main goal of the day is to reduce water accidents by equipping boaters with the right tools and knowledge before they ever leave the dock. By bringing all these groups together, they hope to make the local waterways safer for everyone this season.
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