The Sarasota Police Department will partner with the United States Coast Guard Flotilla 84 for an Interagency Boating Safety Inspection Day on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., at Centennial Park, 1059 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (also known as the 10th Street Boat Ramp).
“According to the United States Coast Guard, hundreds of lives are lost yearly, thousands of people are injured, and millions of dollars in property damage happens because of preventable recreational boating accidents on our waterways,” said Officer Ron Dixon, Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol. “The Sarasota Police Department wants to ensure everyone has a safe boating season,” said Officer Dixon.
Families wanting to enjoy the upcoming Memorial Day weekend may head out for a day on a boat that has seen very little use during the winter. Safety equipment checks are often overlooked in the excitement of the holiday weekend. Families may later find themselves without the necessary equipment in an emergency or be upset when they are cited for violations by local law enforcement.
A boating safety public service announcement with safety tips from the Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol Unit can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb3RixvFNl4