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May 23, 2008 7:41 pm US/Eastern
Safety Tips For Memorial Weekend Boating
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
There are more boating accidents on Memorial than during any other time of the year, and Miami is the deadliest place for boaters. So because of this, National Safe Boating week takes special meaning on the eve of the holiday.
National Safe Boating Week, which ended on Friday, is an important annual event when boaters across the nation help emphasize the role each plays in keeping waters enjoyable and accident-free. With more registered boats in Florida than in any other state, this is especially important.
According to the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were 668 boating accidents in Florida in 2007. Of the total number of boating accidents that occurred, 70 percent were on boats where the operator had not taken a boating safety course.
Florida requires all boaters 21 years of age and younger to pass an approved boating course. Since the law was enacted in late 1996, U.S. Coast Guard reports the total number of boating accidents have decreased approximately 48 percent though the number of registered boats increased by 24 percent.
The state legislature is considering a bill that would increase the age to operate personal water crafts from 14 to 16.
This might come as relief to Lee Nossen, who lost her 14-year-old son Tyler in a personal watercraft accident a year ago.
"My son could be your son, so don't think it can't happen to you," said Nossen.
During an interview with CBS4's Tiffani Helberg she couldn't help breaking down when talking about her son, even though the accident happened a year ago.
"To me it's moments later," she said. "I miss him so much, just laying in bed with me and sharing his day with me.
The Personal Watercraft Industry Association recommends boaters take the following steps to improve safety on the water and help make sure that a day of boating starts and ends well:
• Always wear your life jacket.
• Never boat under the influence.
• Take a boating safety course.
• Get a free Vessel Safety Check.
Click on Florida Fish and Wildlife's recommended boating education course.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
