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National Safe Boating Week Good Time To Review Security Rules While Having Fun On the Water

By  //  May 24, 2016

Safe Boating week is May 21-27

National Safe Boating week is May 21-27, making it the perfect time to brush up on tips to ensure your security while having fun on the water. (BoatingInformation.org image)

(MyFWC.com) – National Safe Boating week is May 21-27, making it the perfect time to brush up on tips to ensure your security while having fun on the water. 

Emergency Locator Beacons

Before your next trip on the water, make sure to purchase, register, and have onboard your vessel an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). You never know when it may save your life and the lives of others.

An EPIRB or PLB is used to alert search and rescue (SAR) agencies in the event of an emergency.  It does this by transmitting a coded message on the 406 MHz distress frequency via satellite and earth stations to the nearest Rescue Coordination Center, which then notifies rescue personnel.  If your EPIRB transmits GPS coordinates, your position can be identified in as little as 2-3 minutes.

You must register your EPIRB or PLB with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at beaconregistration.noaa.gov. It only takes a few minutes and it could save your life.

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Life Jackets

A life jacket could save your life in many unexpected events, including if you capsize in rough water, start sinking in surprising heavy sea conditions, are thrown from the boat as a result of a collision and if you lose your balance while fishing.

To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard Approved life jacket for each person aboard.

Also, make sure to test life jackets for wear and buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded, or leaky jackets will not be effective and should be discarded.

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Boating Education

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a boat in Florida. Click here to find out more about what the law requires and how to get your card.

High school students can complete their Hunter Safety and Boater Safety certification while earning 0.5 credit for high school through Florida Virtual School. The new FLVS physical education course is now available for free to Florida students.

For more information about boating safety relating to hurricanes, rip currents, safety equipment and more, visit myfwc.com

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