With the summer months fast approaching and a plethora of opportunities for Southwest Florida residents to hit the water, officials are reminding boaters via an annual national campaign to take precautions.

Safe Boating Campaign’s National Safe Boating Week runs from May 17 to May 23, and Flotilla 9-6 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be ever present throughout Lee and Collier Counties to create awareness of best practices.

Flotilla 9-6 has worked hard to prepare for this year’s National Safe Boat Week throughout Southwest Florida, which includes exhibits with retail partners, boating safety classes, vessel exams, and a public Open House for our Flotilla Headquarters in the Cocohatchee River Park, a state park in Naples.

Members will conduct boating safety classes, exhibit mobile Communications Command Center at area locations, and patrol the area from the skies, all in the name of ensuring safe fun on the water.

According to the most recent data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in 2023, Florida reported 659 boating accidents, resulting in 59 fatalities and 408 injuries. Florida leads the nation in boating accidents and deaths. The most frequent cause of death in Florida boating accidents is drowning.

National Safe Boating Week serves as a reminder for all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

“We’re committed to teaching boaters that the best boating experience is a safe day on the water,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, in a release. The NSBC is a nonprofit dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience for all boaters and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign. “This National Safe Boating Week, prepare for a great boating season by inspecting your boating safety gear and commit to providing comfortable life jackets for all your passengers to wear every time you go boating.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities, and that 87% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

There are various options for boaters when it comes to selecting a life jacket, such as ensuring it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.

“The best life jacket is the one you will wear,” said Phillips. “Whether you’re going fishing or just enjoying a ride on the boat, make sure you’re prepared for the adventure by wearing a life jacket and knowing how to use required safety gear.”

The National Safe Boating Council recommends these tips for boaters:

• Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.

• Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.

• Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board before you leave the dock.

• Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.

• Use an engine cut-off switch – it’s the law. An engine cut-off switch is a proven safety device to stop a powerboat engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

• Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.

• Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating incidents in 2022 were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

• Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones, and always travel at a safe speed.

• Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.

• Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.

Life Jackets

Taking a few minutes for a simple life jacket inspection now, at the beginning of summer boating season, can help put all uncertainties at ease. The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation offers the following life jacket inspection tips for National Safe Boating Week:

• Check all hardware and straps. They should be in good shape, firmly attached and in working order. Heavily oxidized buckles, worn strapping or loose stitching mean it could be time for replacement.

• Ensure that there are no rips or tears or punctures in the fabric. If you can see any encapsulated floatation material inside between the life jacket’s fabric’s inner and outer layers, it’s time to replace. You also don’t want any lumpy or hardened buoyancy material, oil saturation, or mildew, all of which weaken fabric.

• Make sure that the label stating U.S. Coast Guard approval is attached and that it is readable. This may also help a potential on-water boating safety check as law enforcement will know you’ve done the right thing by having a right-sized life jacket, especially for the kids.

• Got any extras attached to the life jacket? Test any strobes or personal locator beacons, and verify battery expiration dates and replace if needed.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 725,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation’s only free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.

Knowing the forecast

Olympic sailor and two-time America’s Cup winner Jon Bilger isn’t just a tech innovator, his decades of firsthand experience with unpredictable waters drive his commitment to empowering safer navigation for all through advanced weather forecasting tech.

Bilger, founder of PridictWind, shared some safety tips as National Safe Boating Week approaches.

“Understanding the unique and dynamic nature of marine weather is crucial,” Bilger said. “Unlike general forecasts, pay attention to localized effects like sea breezes and coastal influences, as well as the interaction of wind and currents. Utilize tools…to access high-resolution models for a more accurate picture of your specific area, focusing on wind direction and strength at different heights, wave conditions, and the impact of local geography.”

Bilger also shared some key indicators and how to avoid commas mistakes.

“A common mistake is to rely on outdated forecasts or neglect continuous monitoring, as weather at sea can change rapidly,” he said. “Don’t be fooled by blue skies ahead, it’s dangerous to assume that current calm conditions will last. The key is to be vigilant, use all available resources, and always err on the side of caution by adjusting your plans based on evolving weather information.”

Bilger’s PredictWind offers extreme weather alerts, which can help provide real-time mobile notifications of hazards to enable quick action.