Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 21, 2026) - Most boat-related fatalities have one factor in common: The victim wasn't wearing a life jacket. As prime boating season nears, several agencies will hold a boating safety event on Friday, May 22, to promote vessel safety and preparedness.
As part of Hillsborough County Boating Safety Day, the Hillsborough County Marine Safety Unit, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office are teaming up at the Williams Park Boat Ramp, 9425 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578, to keep boaters safe and informed.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer complimentary vessel safety checks to let boaters know if they have all their required safety gear on board. Hillsborough County's Marine Safety Unit will provide residents information on proper life jacket usage and will have a limited number of loaner life jackets available. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue will provide information about how to prevent boat fires and minimize danger from hazardous materials. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and the Hillsborough County Marine Safety Unit and HCFR Special Operations Marine Unit will have staff and equipment on site.
The primary mission of the 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, the hope is to create a unified presence that fosters a culture of safety and compliance and ensures that all recreational boaters understand the importance of preparedness, ultimately making waterways safer for everyone to enjoy.
WHAT: Hillsborough County Boating Safety Day
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 22
WHERE: Williams Park Boat Ramp, 9425 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578