Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer with many Central Floridians planning to enjoy a variety of watercraft activities on the region’s more than 2,700 large lakes. However, watercraft enthusiasts beware.

Florida led the nation in boating fatalities last year, according to statistics from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This is the 16th time in 20 years that Florida has topped the list, prompting the Commission to approve a plan for mandatory boater education requirements phased in over the next 11 years, according to the Associated Press.

Last year, 70 percent of all boating accidents involved operators with no formal safety education; for fatalities, that number was 85 percent, the AP reported, adding that state officials believe mandatory education could reduce the number of fatalities by as much as 25 percent.

Boating safety is no accident. Please read our firm newsletter that addresses the importance of practicing watercraft safety and provides information on local boating courses is available from the U.S. Coast Guard.

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