News

By Rich Pollack

    Sparked in part by recent tragic events on the waterways in and around Florida, state Sen. Maria Sachs last month gathered representatives of the boating community and marine industries — along with law enforcement officials — to explore ways to enhance watercraft safety.
    The meeting, held in Delray Beach, also provided an opportunity for representatives from Highland Beach to meet directly with top officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to discuss slowing boats along the Intracoastal Waterway to reduce seawall-damaging wakes and improve safety.
    “They agreed there is something that possibly could be done,” said Highland Beach Commissioner Lou Stern, who has been leading the town’s efforts to slow boats along the narrow stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway that borders the town.
    Residents have complained for years about speeding boats, but have repeatedly been told that there is little that can be changed.
    “There’s no one stopping the boats going 50 or 60 miles per hour,” Ira Oaklander, vice chair of the town’s Beaches and Shores Advisory Board, told Sachs and others gathered around the table to discuss boating safety.
    Oaklander suggested that one possible solution to the problem and to other safety issues could be to make speeds along the Intracoastal Waterway uniform. Law enforcement representatives, however, said that could be a challenge since conditions vary greatly.
    One common theme that arose throughout the discussions was the need for additional education for young boaters as well as for first-time boaters and those who might need a refresher course to keep up with new technology — such as the use of emergency beacons that are enhancing boater safety.
    A second theme that arose was the need for additional funding for education and for strengthening of law enforcement efforts.
    “Education, education, education,” said Ernie Marks, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s south area regional director.
    Many at the meeting spoke in favor of prioritizing education over legislation, especially those representing the boating industry.
    “Let’s educate people to the technology we have available today rather than put in another regulation,” said Michael Kennedy, president of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County.
    Kennedy also suggested that young boaters receive school credits for participating in and passing a boating-safety course.
    While state law requires anyone born after 1988 to pass a boating safety class and carry proof of completion while on the water, some suggested that regulation might need to be crafted to create a minimum age requirement for boaters.
    “Do you think a 10-year-old should be allowed to take a water safety course and be allowed to take a boat out on the ocean?” said state Rep. Irv Slosberg, who said he is preparing legislation that would require an age minimum.
    Much of the discussion about age requirements was prompted by the disappearance of two 14-year-olds who in July took a boat out on the ocean from Jupiter Inlet as a storm approached.
    But Sachs said she didn’t want to craft legislation without hearing from those who would be impacted by it.
    “We don’t need a knee-jerk reaction,” she said. “That’s why we’re here.”
    Sachs said she will begin the process of creating a bill that she can take to Tallahassee.
    “It will be something that will best serve the boating community and our families and still encourage fun and safety on the waterways,” she said.