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Annual boat accident report on death and injuries; Also methods to stay safe and have fun

The driver of this personal watercraft hit the gas, hit the beach, hit the tip of a truck and then hit the sidewalk. Both people on the machine have recovered

It is the Memorial Day Weekend, which means that far more boat drivers than normal will be on the water – as well as the Marine Criminal Saving of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

This is no coincidence. It is also no coincidence that this is granted the season of the annual statistical report of FWC in Florida Boating accident with the latest facts and figures.

Most of the time these numbers are not good.

Florida's waters house most of the country's boats, and year after year the same reasons lead to a tragedy on the water.

The Memorial Day Weekend has become when the state's fish and wildlife committee of the state through the enforcement of the water, the training in its report and the National Safe Boating Week begins over the holiday weekend for a longer end of the holiday.

The hope is that the weekend with most people on the water is the same when most people can learn how to boot safely. Because the tragic numbers in the boat accident report are easiest to change.

Data show that most captains have no formal boater training that would teach them to observe a spotter within hearing walls that observes everything else so that the captain can concentrate on boating zones in which he or she engines more slowly, the reckless actions of others can dodge and ensure that nothing is available directly like a dock, another ship or a soul.

The spotter is necessary so that the captain can concentrate while the view takes care of everything else, e.g. B. to ensure that passengers know that “wearing a life jacket” does not mean hanging them over the shoulders, loosely and fluttering in the breeze.

“Accidents occur quickly and without warning. You may not have time to take your life jacket,” said Nicholas Korade, a lieutenant of the fish and wildlife protection order in Florida, which focuses on a safe boat. “The message is simple: saving life jackets.”

Not good

As in most years, the Statistical Report of the Florida boat accident in 2024 is filled with diagrams, graphics and other quick information – usually bad news:

  • There were 685 boat accidents in Florida – 26 more than in the previous report
  • 81 deaths were reported – 22 more than in the previous year
  • The collision with a fixed object caused 31% of accidents, more than any other reason
  • At least 65% of those who are at the top during fatal accidents had no formal boater training

“We just want people to enjoy nature and enjoy the beautiful waters of the state of Florida,” said Col. Brian Smith, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “Always make sure that you work safely and appropriately. Of course, make sure that you have the appropriate safety equipment on board your ship.”

The FWC, the senior agency of the state for boat training and law enforcement, published more than 74,000 cards that prove that the person has passed their course for boat security education, which is about 1,000 more than in the previous year.

Proof of having completed a safe boat course

People who were born on or after January 1, 1988 and a ship with 10 hp or more must pass an approved Boater security course.

Technically speaking, the National Safe Boating Week ends shortly before the Memorial Day, but the message of the week extends at least until the holiday weekend. Under the direction of the National Safe Boating Council, the focus is on reducing water -related accidents.

In addition, the US Coast Guard contributes to help by offering boots security courses.

Boat security

The boat council focuses on encouraging boat drivers to always have the necessary safety equipment in the order, especially jackets – and if they also wear them on the dock in the boat.

Fish and Wildlife reported that most of the died that were involved in alcohol -related accidents with other boats, a sea wall or a sewer marker that thrown out of their ship and drowned because they did not wear a life jacket.

The number of boat accidents was on average the lowest in five years, but the number of boots deaths was the highest in four years.

FWC creates the report, the summary of which can be found here, and there are about 18 months after emphasizing the year – in this case the figures of 2023 are located in the 2024 report, which was published in 2025.

A defined object, as the captain of this boat in Sarasota Bay came across a channel marker, caused 31% of accidents more than any other reason

A defined object, as the captain of this boat in Sarasota Bay came across a channel marker, caused 31% of accidents more than any other reason

“We really really want everyone to be on the water this weekend and during the summer vacation,” said Smith. “The FWC will also be present to ensure public security.”

The environmental reporting for WGCU is partially financed by Volo FoundationA non -profit organization with the task of accelerating changes and global effects by supporting scientific climate protection solutions, improving education and improving health.

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