County Marine Safety Unit and partners to promote life jacket use and boating preparedness May 22 in Riverview
In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, which is May 16-22, Hillsborough County's Marine Safety Unit will host a boating safety event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Williams Park Boat Ramp, 9425 U.S. Hwy. 41, Riverview, FL 33578.
For more than 100 million Americans, boating continues to be a popular recreational activity. In the Tampa Bay area, residents enjoy time on the water boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing. During National Safe Boating Week, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council, along with federal, state, and local safe-boating partners, encourage all boaters to explore and enjoy America's beautiful waters responsibly.
- At the event, the County's Marine Unit and the following agencies will attend to promote boat safety practices, with an emphasis on life jacket usage and overall boater preparedness:
- United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct voluntary vessel safety inspections.
- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit will provide a limited number of free life vests.
The Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for most boating accidents and that life jackets could prevent nearly 75% of boating fatalities. Through basic boating safety procedures like carrying lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe-boating courses, participating in free boat-safety checks, and staying sober when navigating can help ensure boaters stay safe throughout the season. National Safe Boating Week brings attention to important life-saving tips for recreational boaters so that they can have a safer, more enjoyable experience out on the water throughout the year.