The Coast Guard wants boaters in the region to use caution this holiday weekend after recent incidents.
These incidents include the disappearance of a family of four off the coast near Englewood, as well as a man’s death following a boat collision near Boca Grande.
Officials want people to prepare themselves by having the right equipment aboard.
They also call it important to know of the conditions before heading out to the water.
If you find a situation that you can’t handle, then the Coast Guard suggests calling it as soon as possible.
The guard and the FWC intend to spend the weekend patrolling the water to ensure everyone has the correct amount of life jackets on board.