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For Immediate Release Contact: Jennifer Hall, 202-777-3503
May 15, 2006
National Safe Boating Week Kicks-Off; Personal
Watercraft Accidents in Florida Decrease 33 Percent in the Last Five Years
All boating accidents in state have declined 34 percent from 2003-2007;
National Safe Boating Week Encourages Boaters to Help Prevent Accidents this Summer
WASHINGTON - As National Safe Boating Week kicks off (May 17-23), the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) today applauds Florida boaters for contributing to a 33 percent decrease in the number of personal watercraft (PWC) accidents on the water from 2003 to 2007. Meanwhile, the total number of registered PWC in the state increased approximately 28 percent during that same time period. Still, because most boating accidents are preventable, PWIA reminds Florida boaters this National Safe Boating Week of steps they can take to improve boating safety this summer.
"Most boating accidents are preventable if boaters take steps individually to avoid them," said Maureen Healey, executive director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association. Healey is also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Safe Boating Council. "Taking a boating safety class, wearing a life jacket, operating your boat defensively so that you avoid collisions, and boating sober are all steps that every boater can take that will prevent an enjoyable day from becoming a tragedy."
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) data, incidents involving PWC declined in 25 of Florida's 67 counties. PWIA attributes Florida boating safety improvements to many factors, including industry, state and local efforts to promote safe and responsible boating behavior. Over the years, Florida has been a national leader in boating safety, enacting laws supported by the PWC industry that have been effective in reducing accidents. For instance, Florida requires all boaters 21 years of age and younger to pass an approved boating course. Since the law was enacted in late 1996, U.S. Coast Guard data show the total number of boating accidents have decreased approximately 48 percent though the number of registered boats increased by 24 percent. Most recently, the state legislature is considering a bill that would increase the age to operate PWC from 14 to 16.
The personal watercraft industry also strongly supports laws at the federal, state and local levels that require PWC operators to pass an approved boating safety class, be at least 16 years old (18 to rent), operate only during daylight hours, establishes no-wake zones within 100 feet of shore or swimmers and punishes reckless operators.
"While we are encouraged by the decline in boating accidents, it is vital that all boaters continue to take steps to improve safety on Florida's waterways," said FWC Captain Richard Moore. "We urge boaters to take boating safety seriously and focus on two critical messages: pay attention to your surroundings and wear your life jacket."
Education is especially critical. According to the FWC, there were 668 boating accidents in 2007. Of the total number of boating accidents that occurred, 70 percent were on boats where the operator had not taken a boating safety course.
PWIA recommends that boaters of all ages and levels of experience enroll in a class this National Safe Boating Week. Boating safety courses are available through many organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons. Boaters should contact the FWC or visit www.myfwc.com/boating for more information about where and when these courses are available.
In addition to taking a boating safety course, PWIA recommends boaters take the following steps to improve safety on the water and help make sure that a day of boating starts and ends well:
- Always wear a life jacket (and wetsuit bottoms in the case of personal watercraft);
- Learn and follow all local navigation rules;
- Stay sober and never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and
- Get a vessel safety inspection (offered free by many local organizations, it assures boats are equipped with proper safety gear and the vessel is in “sea worthy” condition).
About PWIA
PWIA represents the four manufacturers of personal watercraft. As a result of remarkable technological advancements, modern personal watercraft are up to 90 percent cleaner and 70 percent quieter than those produced prior to 1998. PWIA advocates for state and local governments to implement reasonable guidelines such as mandatory boating safety education for PWC users, a minimum age of 16 to operate a PWC, use only during daylight hours, the establishment of no-wake zones, and strict enforcement of boating safety and navigation laws. Model legislation and other information on personal watercraft can be viewed at www.pwia.org.
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