With spring here and summer on the way, Florida residents will be flocking to the waterways in greater numbers. As more traffic fills up the water with boaters and other outdoor rec enthusiasts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FCW) is encouraging would-be boaters to participate in boater education courses before the season begins in earnest.
Spring is an ideal time to participate in boater safety courses because the weather is just beginning to get nice and there is still a full season ahead of fun. Legislation in Florida requires all boaters born after January 1, 1988 to complete and pass a boater safety education course, but these courses are also available for anyone else who is interested.
The requirement only exists for motorboats; people who use human-powered watercraft like paddleboards and kayaks are not required to take these courses, but are still encouraged to do so to become more aware of how to manage the risks they face on the water.
There are a variety of boater education options available to Florida residents:
- Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons offer traditional classroom courses
- Online offerings are available from a variety of sources day and night
- com/boating has links to boating safety and education resources you can explore
Educated boaters are safer boaters. For more information about boating safety laws and requirements in Florida, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL boating accident attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.