The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is taking lead of the task force, enforcing boat safety on the water and patrolling in the sky.
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — If you want an excuse to play hooky or need to start your weekend earlier, Boat Skip Day Friday may be calling your name.
Before setting sail, it’s wise to review your emergency supplies and verify that life jackets are aboard, as law enforcement officials will be closely monitoring boaters throughout the day.
Deputy Brooks Morrell from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office’s marine unit mentioned they expect as many as 7,000 boats on the water this Friday. This situation makes it vital to practice safe boating, not just for the people on your vessel, but for all who are enjoying the water.
“Many individuals are not familiar with navigational regulations, essentially the rules that are similar to traffic laws on the road,” he explained to First Coast News. “There are guidelines you must follow, and it’s the same when you’re out on the water. When there’s a large gathering, it often results in erratic boat handling and breaches of navigation rules, such as issues during crossing scenarios.”
Safe boating practices begin even before you get in the water. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is warning all boaters to be careful around crowded ramps and to make sure you’re parking in a legitimate spot, not blocking another vehicle or on Highway 17.
Police say boat safety starts with communicating with all passengers about when the boat is moving and the float plan. Howell adds that a common thing boaters overlook is not having enough life jackets.
“You’ll probably have extra people on your boat that you wouldn’t normally have on a regular boating day,” he said. “So, a lot of people don’t have it, the required number of life jackets.”
Ben Ryan, the sheriff’s office’s communication and media relations manager, said law enforcement agencies are not tolerating anyone operating a boat while under the influence.
“There were 21 arrests made in total between several agencies last year that consisted of boating under the influence, driving under the influence and disorderly conduct arrests,” Ryan said.
Morrell mentioned every vessel needs to be extra cautious compared to a typical boat day. Whether it’s weather or water conditions, it all can change in an instant, which is why so many deputies are patrolling the waters Friday.
“Time is dangerous out here in the water, not only with your illnesses, but emergencies,” Morrell said. “It takes a little bit longer to get you the help you needed, and going over the safety equipment and the whereabouts of that safety equipment is very important.”
In Clay County, Shands Pier is closed Friday as officials are using the ramp to get on the water. You should also expect to see agencies patrolling in the sky to enforce boat safety practices.
