Operation Boat Safe
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) in partnership with the Lee County Marine Task Force (LCMTF) which is a combination of local, state and federal law enforcement officers will be conducting “Operation Boat Safe” over the July 4th weekend.
In the past months, the local law enforcement agencies have investigated several serious boating accidents within Lee County which resulted in deaths or serious bodily injuries. These accidents were tragic, but preventable. The Lee County Marine Task Force will increase their efforts to promote a safe boating environment for the public throughout the holiday weekend by concentrating their efforts within a specific time at an undisclosed location.
Operation Goals include:
* Increase voluntary compliance and awareness of boating safety regulations
* Prevent boating accidents through increased officer presence
* Deter and detect careless and reckless operation
* Deter and detect impaired vessel operation
Vessel safety inspections will be conducted. Violators of wake and speed zones, careless operation, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) will be cited or charged accordingly. It’s hoped by publicizing the upcoming operation; boaters become more alert and will obey the laws. Vessel owners and operators are reminded to conduct their own safety inspections to include checking navigation / anchor lighting, anchors, fire extinguishers, and assuring the proper number of USCG approved lifejackets before disembarking.
Citizens can help by letting law enforcement know if they observe careless boat operators and by their compliance with the rules of the water. To get in touch with
one of our marine law enforcement officers; telephone the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (239) 477-1000 or Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at (888) 404-3922. If you see careless or reckless boat operators dial 9-1-1 on your cell phone or via radio on the VHF Channel 16 to report the event.
Boaters, please remember to wear your personal flotation device and be courteous to one another. According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, Boating Under the Influence is still the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, with 17 percent of boating fatalities a direct result of alcohol or drug use. In 2008, more than two-thirds of those who died in recreational boating accidents drowned; 90 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. In accidents where the level of boat operator instruction is known, nearly 80 percent of fatalities occur in accidents where the operator has not received boating safety instruction.
Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Department