ANNA MARIA ISLAND – From May 18-24, National Safe Boating Week is a reminder about the importance of being a safe boater.
Anna Maria resident David Haddox is a past commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron. At the national level, he serves as rear commander in charge of basic public education for the United States Power Squadrons, America’s Boating Club.
In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, Haddox shared some U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) annual boating statistics from 2022. The 2023 stats come out later this year.
According to the USCG, there were 4,040 boating accidents 636 deaths, 2,222 injuries, and property damage exceeding $63 million in 2022. Approximately 75% of the reported boating fatalities were the result of drowning and 85% of those victims were not wearing life jackets at the time. Three of every four boaters who drowned were using boats less than 21 feet in length. Where the boater’s instruction history was known, 74% of the fatalities occurred in boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.
According to the USCG, alcohol use is the leading contributor to boating fatalities and was listed as the leading factor in 16% of boating fatalities. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed and mechanical failure are also ranked as top contributing factors.
There were 173 accidents where at least one person was struck by a propeller, accounting for 182 injuries and 41 deaths.
Haddox shared some Florida-specific boating regulations:
- Children under age 6 must wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on a boat under 26 feet when it is underway.
- Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 who operates a power vessel of 10 horsepower or greater must have in their possession a Florida Boater Safety Education ID card.
- Harassing manatees can lead to a $50,000 fine and up to one year in prison.
“Wearing life jackets saves lives. They are called life jackets for a reason. Take a boating safety course for you, your loved ones and the boating community. The next course starts June 8 and continues June 15,” Haddox said.
The Anna Maria Island Sail & Power Squadron, America’s Boating Club for the Bradenton area, is offering the two-day boating safety course in June. The course is suitable for beginners through intermediate boaters. The cost is $55 per person or $85 for two boaters sharing instructional materials. To pre-register, call 941-447-7845. For more details, visit the squadron’s website.
“Graduates of our course are issued the card by FWC,” Haddox said. “Our club’s goals are to have fun on the water, to teach the public about boating safety, and to provide free vessel safety checks as a community service. We also provide free, voluntary vessel safety checks to ensure operators have the required equipment on board,” Haddox said.
