The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) in partnership with the Lee County Marine Task Force (LCMTF) is conducting “Operation Boat Safe.” It began on Saturday and continues Sunday (May 21 & 22) at an undisclosed location in Lee County waters. This operation coincides with the kick off of National Safe Boating week.

Local law enforcement agencies have investigated several serious boating accidents within Lee County which resulted in deaths or serious bodily injuries. These accidents were tragic, but in most instances, preventable, Sheriff’s officials said.

The Task Force (consisting of local, state and federal law enforcement officers) will increase its efforts to promote a safe boating environment for the public throughout the weekend by concentrating efforts within a specific time at an undisclosed location.

The Sheriff’s Office lists the Operation Goals:

* To increase voluntary compliance and awareness of boating safety regulations

* Prevent boating accidents through increased officer presence

* Deter and detect careless and reckless operation

* Deter and detect impaired vessel operation

Vessel safety inspections will be conducted. Violators of wake and speed zones, careless operation and Boating under the Influence (BUI) will be cited or charged accordingly. It’s hoped by publicizing the operation; boaters become more alert and will obey the laws. Vessel owners and operators are reminded to conduct their own safety inspections to include checking navigation / anchor lighting, anchors, fire extinguishers, and assuring the proper number of USCG approved lifejackets before disembarking, authorities said.

Citizens can help by informing law enforcement if they observe careless boat operators and by their compliance with the rules of the water. To contact one of the marine law enforcement officers; telephone the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (239) 477-1000 or Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at (888) 404-3922. If you see careless or reckless boat operators; dial 911 on your cell phone or radio on the VHF Channel 16 to report the event.

“Boaters, please remember to wear your personal flotation device and be courteous to one another. According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, Boating under the Influence is still the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, with 17 percent of boating fatalities a direct result of alcohol or drug use,” authorities said.

In 2008, more than two-thirds of those who died in recreational boating accidents drowned; 90 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. In accidents where the level of boat operator instruction is known, nearly 80 percent of fatalities occur in accidents where the operator has not received boating safety instruction.