Boating & Fishing

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Marine patrol officers plan keep a close eye on boaters during the long holiday weekend particularly during Columbus Day Regatta in Biscayne Bay and the unsanctioned party held at the same time on the water near Elliott Key.

In addition to those attending the Regatta, which is two separate boat races, law enforcement officials are especially concerned with those who plan to attend a huge party on the water near the race that is not part of the official event.

In 2006, two Florida International University students were killed in a boat collision; in 2002 three people were killed in boating accidents during the Columbus Day weekend.

The connection between the party and the regatta, held the same weekend and in the same general area, frustrates regatta organizers who see the drunken gathering which is responsible for those deaths as damaging their races.

"Our event is over for the day once the participant crosses the finish line," said attorney Gaylord Wood Jr., spokesperson for the Regatta. Wood said the races are no closer than 6 miles from the party area, and if participants in the Regatta attend after they leave the event, it has nothing to do with the Regatta.

"Some do," he admits, "but the noise from the powerboaters is overwhelming."

This year numerous agencies, including the Coast Guard, National Parks Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Miami-Dade Police Department will be patrolling the waters in a combined force conducting safety and boating-under-the-influence checks during the long holiday weekend.

"We're stressing that, while boating on Biscayne Bay, boaters are in a national park and priorities for the weekend include protecting life, property and the natural resources of the park," said Mark Lewis, superintendent of Biscayne National Park.

"With these goals in mind, we are asking everyone to Stay Parked After Dark.' As the sun sets it becomes more difficult to see swimmers in the water, to recognize other boats traversing the area and to avoid grounding your vessel in the shallow areas of the bay. By remaining on your vessel in the anchorage after dark, you may be saving your life, the lives of others, and the resources of the park."

No boats will be allowed to anchor outside of the designated area. Within this area, all vessels must maintain a slow speed and minimum wake. No rafting (vessels tied together) greater than five vessels will be permitted. Allow a minimum of 100 feet between rafting or individual boats for emergency access.

"We want everyone involved to have a fun and safe weekend," said Lt. John Corbett, commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, Fla. "Captains are reminded of their responsibility regarding the safety of their passengers, operating their vessel sober, and following all marine regulations.

"There are going to be a lot of boats and people on the water, so please look out for one another. You are responsible for the safe operation of your vessel and for any damage caused by it."

Spot checks will be performed throughout the weekend to make sure boaters have some sort of navigation system like a GPS or nautical charts. Boats will also be checked for mandatory safety gear including the proper number of life jackets and signal flares.

Boating safety is about more than just equipment - it's about behavior and responsibility. Here are a few safety tips to remember before you head out this weekend: 

Don't drink and boat
Be responsible with drinks aboard. Designate a "sober skipper" before things get out of hand. 

Remain anchored and on your vessel
While no official curfew will be in place for the weekend, it is in your best interest to "stay parked after dark". 

Check your safety gear to ensure it works
File a float plan with a friend or a marina, remember to wear your lifejackets, make sure you have flares and a working VHF-FM marine radio on board. 

Groundings are costly
Not only to your boat, but to your engine and the environment. To avoid groundings and to know where you are going, have navigational charts onboard and learn to properly read them before you head out on the water.

Avoid the shallow areas of the Featherbed Bank
These areas will be lit at night and flagged with yellow flags during the day. 

Help protect marine life
Dispose of trash and plastic bags properly.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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