FWC Releases 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report
With the release of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on taking the necessary steps for a safer boating experience.
“A leading contributor to boating accidents is the operator’s inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout, said Lt. Seth Wagner, FWC Boating and Waterways Section. “Many operators believe they are looking around but they are not recognizing potential hazards or are distracted by dividing their attention between things like electronic devices or other occupants in the boat.”
In 2020, 402 boating accidents involved collisions and 44% of them were due to the operator’s inattention or failing to maintain a proper lookout.
44% of Florida boating accidents in 2020 were due to operator error, stats show
FWC said there were 16% more incidents last year than in 2019
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File photo of FWC investigating a boating accident.
Of 836 boating accidents in Florida last year, 402 involved collisions and 44% of those were due to the operator’s inattention or failing to maintain a proper lookout, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2020 statistical report.
“A leading contributor to boating accidents is the operator’s inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout,” said Lt. Seth Wagner of FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section. “Many operators believe they are looking around but they are not recognizing potential hazards or are distracted by dividing their attention between things like electronic devices or other occupants in the boat.”
WUSF Public Media Florida waters in 2020 were the deadliest for boaters in at least a decade, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
There were 836 boating accidents in 2020, along with 79 deaths.
Florida waters last year were the deadliest for boaters in at least a decade, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report released Friday showed 836 boating accidents in 2020, the most in a year since at least 2011 and 16% more than in 2019.
Meanwhile, the state recorded 79 boating deaths in 2020, also the highest total since at least 2011. The deaths were up 21% from 2019.
People falling overboard and drowning was the leading cause of death, according to the report.
FWC releases 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report
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With the release of the 2020 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on taking the necessary steps for a safer boating experience.
“A leading contributor to boating accidents is the operator’s inattention or failure to maintain a proper lookout, said Lt. Seth Wagner, FWC Boating and Waterways Section. “Many operators believe they are looking around but they are not recognizing potential hazards or are distracted by dividing their attention between things like electronic devices or other occupants in the boat.”
In 2020, 402 boating accidents involved collisions and 44% of them were due to the operator’s inattention or failing to maintain a proper lookout.
FWC encourages safe boating during Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival
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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding all boaters to practice safe boating during the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival on May 1 in Fort Walton Beach.
The FWC and law enforcement partners, including the United States Coast Guard, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Okaloosa Island Fire Department, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Fort Walton Beach Fire Department and several others, will be patrolling the waterways for public safety during the event.
Law enforcement agencies are encouraging all boaters to enjoy their time on the water but to take a few safety precautions to stay safe. This includes designating a sober boat operator, wearing a life jacket, using an engine cut-off switch lanyard, and paying attention and keeping a proper lookout.