{"id":12910,"date":"2021-08-12T03:10:28","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T03:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goboatingflorida.com\/?page_id=12910"},"modified":"2021-08-18T18:35:23","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T18:35:23","slug":"boating-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/goboatingflorida.com\/?page_id=12910","title":{"rendered":"Boating Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Know Your Surroundings<\/h4>\n

\"Kayak,<\/p>\n

Always pay attention to the conditions around your vessel, both above and below the water. <\/p>\n

Paddlers and other boats.<\/strong> Check for boat traffic in all directions, maintain a safe speed, and yield to non-motorized vessels.<\/p>\n

Swimmers<\/strong>. Keep an eye out for people swimming or wading, especially when boating near beaches and sandbars.<\/p>\n

Wildlife.<\/strong> Look for manatees and the flat circles they create in the water. Obey speed zones to protect wildlife from boat collisions.<\/p>\n

Weather and tides.<\/strong> Watch for storms and get to shore at the first sign of lightning. Be mindful of changing tides to avoid running aground.<\/p>\n

Dive flags.<\/strong> When you see a red and white flag indicating divers below, slow down and keep a safe distance.<\/p>\n

Seagrass.<\/strong> Stay in deeper water and steer clear of seagrass beds to avoid harmful prop scarring.<\/p>\n

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Minimum Required Safety Equipment for Recreational Boaters in Florida*<\/h4>\n

The owner and\/or operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain and use the safety equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Ensure you have all items, know where they are, and that they are easily accessible.<\/p>\n\n

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