During this season, visitors from all over the nation swarm to the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World for spring break, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding everyone to have a safe and enjoyable break.
In an effort to enhance public safety, raise accountability for liveries, and promote safer boating practices, new subjects and requirements for boating safety education have been added to the livery regulations.
The livery pre-rental and pre-ride instruction covers the local features of the waterway, how to operate an engine cutoff switch, and an on-the-water demonstration of the boat’s safe operation.
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“Many spring breakers rent vessels to enjoy their time on the water while visiting our beautiful state,” said Capt. Rachel Bryant, FWC Boating and Waterways Boating Safety Leader. “We encourage them to do their research and rent from a permitted livery operator who provides the required education and safety equipment.”
This spring break season, FWC officers across the state will conduct increased patrols on the water and supplement local law enforcement activities to promote safe boating and remove unsafe operators from the water who are boating under the influence. They will perform heightened livery checks to ensure that vessel and PWC rental operations are properly permitted and providing the required safety equipment and boating education to renters.
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“Unfortunately, each year during a time that should be filled with great memories, FWC officers respond to too many tragic accidents that could have been prevented,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “We would love for everyone who will operate a vessel on our waters to complete a boating safety education course. Knowing and following just a few simple and effective safety precautions can save lives.”
For more information about liveries, visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click on “Livery Regulations and Safety Information” under “More Boating Links.”
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