Hillsborough County Boating Safety Day

The Hillsborough County Boating Safety Day is a multi-agency outreach initiative designed to promote vessel safety and preparedness as the summer season approaches. The event will take place on Friday, May 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Williams Park Boat Ramp. Informational displays and tents will be located adjacent to the boat ramp pay station to provide resources to the public and encourage compliance with safety standards.

The event will include information on:

• Promoting vessel safety practices and general boater preparedness
• Life jacket usage, with Type II Life Jackets available for those in need
• Complimentary Vessel Safety Checks provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Safe boating initiatives, including the HCSO Life Jacket Loaner Program
• Hazardous material, and fire prevention by HCFR
• Maritime assistance services shared by Eckerd College Search and Rescue
• National safety messaging and educational resources from the Safe Boating Council

The primary mission of this event is to decrease water-related accidents by empowering boaters with the knowledge and equipment they need before they leave the dock. By bringing together multiple maritime organizations, we aim to create a unified, professional presence that fosters a culture of safety and compliance within our community. This collaborative effort ensures that every recreational boater in Hillsborough County understands the importance of preparedness, ultimately making our waterways safer for everyone to enjoy.

Things to know

• Free to attend
• Participants under 18 should be accompanied by an adult
• Weather-related cancellations possible (no rain checks)
• Participants should meet at the recreation center

Things to bring

• Bug spray
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water in refillable container

Contact

For any questions contact Blake Milner at (813) 743-0626.