FWC releases boating statistics from Labor Day weekend - no seriougraphics accidents and no fatalities
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers patrol more than 8,400 miles of coastline, 13,200 square miles of offshore waters, and more than 34 million acres of land within the State of Florida and conduct investigations into any violations they encounter.
The agency's main objective over the Labor Day weekend of Saturday, August 31, through Monday, September 2, 2024, was to keep everyone enjoying the water safe.
In the FWC's 12-county Northeast Region (Brevard, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties), 7 vessel operators were arrested for boating under the influence. For the second year in a row, no fatal or serious boating accidents were reported in the region.
“Every year, people head to the water on Labor Day weekend to close out their summer,” said Major Jay Russel, the FWC's Northeast Regional Commander. “Our officers' primary focus when patrolling is to ensure they all make it back to the boat ramp safely.”
The FWC's 17-county North Central Region (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union counties) had the same results as the Northeast Region: 7 vessel operators arrested for boating under the influence, and no fatal or serious boating accidents reported in the region for the second consecutive year.
“Labor Day is traditionally considered the end of summer and the last busy boating weekend of the year,” said Major Scott Lee, the FWC's North Central Regional Commander. “It was a priority for every officer on patrol over the weekend to ensure everyone made it off the water safely.”
The FWC reminds all boaters to enjoy a safe time with friends and family by familiarizing themselves with and following Florida’s boating safety regulations. For more information about boating safety, visit myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/safety-tips.
To report dangerous boating activity the public can submit an anonymous tip by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC,” followed by the location and any information about the violation or by calling 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).
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