USCG Recreational Boating Stats Are In & What Do They Tell Us?Wear A Life Jacket! Say "No" To Boozy Boating!

National Safe Boating Week: May 16-22

Just in time for the conclusion of the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard published its annual report on recreational boating. The statistics highlight the continued need for, and importance of, national safety campaigns such as Wear It! and Operation Dry Water, especially in Florida, unfortunately.

Never to be ones to say, "We told you so," we'll let you read on for more details but we will remind you to always practice safe boating and join us and the National Safe Boating Council in doing what we can to spread the word and educate others!

FROM THE U.S. COAST GUARD NEWSROOM

ST. PETERSBURG, Fl. — The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2014 Recreational Boating Statistics Wednesday, revealing 70 boating fatalities in Florida that year.

The number of boating fatalities increased to 70 in 2014 from 58 in 2013. The number of registered Florida boaters has decreased over the past year.

"In Florida, and especially in the Tampa Bay area, we have great conditions for boating year round," said Cdr. Sean Ryan, the deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. "We want people to enjoy these conditions, but boaters need to remember there are easy steps to take to stay safe on the water, starting with wearing a life jacket and boating sober."

Just say, "No," to boozy boating! 

Nationally, alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Also, where the cause of death was known, 78 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned; of those drowning victims, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket.

 To view the complete report, click: 2014 Recreational Boating Statistics.

For more information on boating responsibly, please visit www.uscgboating.org.

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FROM THE U.S. COAST GUARD HEADQUARTERS

US Coast Guard releases 2014 Recreational Boating Statistics Report
So with all the data on hand, let's do what we can to make boating safer for everyone. And, come on Florida - let's get those new boater registration numbers up!

For smooth sailing and zero stress ... call SYS!^™

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