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| An aerial view of Keewaydin Island during the Great Dock Canoe Race 2011. CCSO photo |
The 36th annual Great Race Dock Canoe Race is Saturday.
Boating safety is everyone’s responsibility. CCSO deputies, along with city, state and federal law enforcement officers, will remove dangerous and impaired boaters from the waterways during race weekend.
Boating under the influence of alcohol is dangerous. Statistics show that a significant number of boating deaths are alcohol related. Penalties for BUI can include jail, civil fines, criminal fines, and vessel impoundment. Sun, wind, noise, and motion can intensify the effects of alcohol, drugs and some medications. These factors can severely affect reaction times and lead to a boating accident.
CCSO’s goal is to protect you while reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents on our waterways. Remember to drink responsibility and have a designated driver.
Should you need law enforcement or medical assistance, call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line at 239.252.9300, or 911 in an emergency. Boaters can use their vessel’s VHF radio to call for assistance; the radio should be tuned to channel 16 or channel 21 alpha.
You can also flag down a law enforcement officer directly, if you need assistance.
CCSO and its public safety partners – Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marco Island Police Department, Naples Police and Emergency Services Department, and U.S. Coast Guard – will have roving patrols along the beach at the south end of Keewaydin Island. The barrier island that stretches along the coast between Naples and Marco is a popular gathering spot for boaters on race day.
There will also be three tents set up along Keeywadin to assist boaters in need. Two tents, on the north and south ends of the island, will be manned by law enforcement. A tent in the center of the island will be staffed by Collier County Emergency Medical Services personnel.
CCSO also offers these safety reminders:
* Excessive rafting to anchored vessels which unreasonably or unnecessarily causes a navigational hazard to other vessels is unlawful.
* Life jackets save lives. It’s not enough to carry life jackets; they should be worn at all times. Children younger than 6 must wear a life jacket at all times aboard a vessel
Click here to watch a CCSO video about staying safe during the Canoe Race.
