Sarasota Police hold Boating Safety Inspections this Saturday
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
SPD
The Sarasota Police Department will once again partner with the United States Coast Guard Flotilla 84 for an Interagency Boating Safety Inspection Day.
The inspections will be held Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Centennial Park, 1059 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. That area is locally known as the 10th Street Boat Ramp.
“According to the United States Coast Guard, hundreds of lives are lost yearly, thousands of people are injured, and millions of dollars in property damage happens because of preventable recreational boating accidents on our waterways,” said Officer Ron Dixon, Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol. “The Sarasota Police Department wants to ensure everyone has a safe boating season,” said Officer Dixon.
Families wanting to enjoy the upcoming Memorial Day weekend may head out for a day on a boat that has seen very little use during the winter. Safety equipment checks are often overlooked in the excitement of the holiday weekend. Families may later find themselves without the necessary equipment in an emergency or be upset when they are cited for violations by local law enforcement.
The free vessel inspections will help boaters receive their 2024 vessel inspection sticker if boaters are complying. Boaters are encouraged to ask questions and educate themselves before the busy season on the water begins.
National Safe Boating Week kicks off this Saturday, May 18. You can find more beach and boat safety tips on our Sarasota Police Department website.