As we head into the Memorial Day weekend boating will increase all across the panhandle. Last year 62 people lost their lives to boating accidents in the state of Florida, and there have been 11 recorded already in 2014. FWC reports that not having a lookout is the leading cause of accidents and drowning is the leading cause of deaths. Simply put… have a lookout and wear your PFD while boating.

Sea Grant Extension Agent Rick O’Connor is posting monthly boating safety articles for 2014. Five of these are currently posted on this website under the MARINE SCIENCE category. He will continue to post new ones each month.

You can see the entire FWC 2013 report at: MyFWC.com/Boating; click on “Boating Accidents.” Contact Sea Grant Agent Rick O’Connor (roc1@ufl.edu) if you have any questions.

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