The Great Dock Canoe Race is one of Collier County’s most
popular traditions, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office wants you to enjoy
it safely.
The 38th 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
