Boating Safety

Located next to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation, boating traffic in the park is heavy. 90 percent of park visitors enter the park by boat.

NPS image by Matt Johnson

Each year people are killed or injured in boating accidents that could have been avoided. While boating, please keep the following basics in mind -

• Maintain proper lookout
• Operate at a safe speed
• Wear a lifejacket
• Drink responsibly
• Stay 300 feet from a divers down flag, or slow down
• Be careful around the bow or gunwales while underway
• Learn more from the U.S. Coast Guard or Florida boating safety

---

Free boating classes!

• Class topics; natural resources, safety, navigation rules, boater liability and how to get involved at local national parks
• Call 305-230-1144 x041 to register or for more information
• Spanish language classes are available

---

Columbus Day weekend information

---

Required safety equipment -

• Lifejackets - correct sizes for each person. All those under six years old must wear a lifejacket (vessels < 26 feet)
• Throwable type IV flotation device (vessels > 16 feet)
• Fire extinguisher
• Visual distress kit
• Sound making device (horn or whistle)
• Dive flag (if snorkeling or diving)

Recommended equipment -

• Anchor and line
• Radio (with US Coast Guard hailing and distress Channel 16)
• Nautical chart so you don't run aground
• First aid kit