Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers have one main objective over Memorial Day weekend: to keep boaters safe. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer and is one of the biggest boating holidays of the year. Partnering with other law enforcement agencies, FWC officers will be proactive in getting boating safety messaging out to the public prior to the weekend and will be on the lookout for reckless or impaired vessel operators.
“Nothing can ruin a great day on the water faster than a trip to jail for boating under the influence,” said Maj. Evan Laskowski, Southwest Regional Commander. “Our officers along with partner agencies are going to be on high alert for impaired operators. It’s just not worth it.”
Recently, an impaired operator arrested last Memorial Day weekend On May 27, 2023, during the Memorial Day weekend holiday, pled guilty to Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and was sentenced to four months of jail time and two years of probation. He will also be responsible for paying more than $2,000 in fines, serving 50 hours of community service and will have to take a mandatory boater safety course.
FWC officers witnessed the subject operating a pontoon boat in a careless and reckless manner on the Intercoastal Water Way in Pinellas County and conducted a vessel stop. Officers observed several indicators of impairment and placed under arrest for BUI after he refused standard field sobriety tests.
FWC officers will be laser-focused on boating safety enforcement over the busy holiday weekend. Last year, officers across the state issued more than 4,000 warnings and nearly 900 citations for boating violations.
The FWC reminds all boaters to enjoy time with friends and family but do so safely and don’t forget to designate a sober operator before departing from the dock. Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to series injuries and consequences. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle.
For more information about boating safety, visitMyFWC.com/Boating select “Boater Education” then “Boating Safety.”
To report dangerous boating activity the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or call 888-404-FWCC (3922). Additionally, there is an easy-to-use downloadable iPhone or Android app: “FWC Wildlife Alert.”