The Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022 is a piece of legislation that aims to improve the safety of boaters in the state of Florida. The Act includes a number of provisions that are designed to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the water, including:
- Requiring all boat operators to obtain a boating safety education card: Under the Act, all boat operators will be required to obtain a boating safety education card before operating a vessel on Florida’s waters. This card will be issued after the operator has completed a boating safety course, which will cover topics such as safe boating practices, navigation rules, and emergency procedures.
- Establishing a minimum age for boat operators: The Act sets a minimum age for boat operators in Florida, with the specific age depending on the size and type of vessel being operated. For example, operators of personal watercraft (such as jet skis) must be at least 14 years old, while operators of larger vessels may need to be older.
- Requiring boat operators to carry certain safety equipment: The Act requires boat operators to carry certain safety equipment on board their vessels, including personal flotation devices (PFDs) for all passengers, a throwable flotation device, and a fire extinguisher.
- Prohibiting certain risky behaviors: The Act prohibits certain behaviors that are known to increase the risk of accidents and injuries on the water, such as operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless operation, and failure to follow navigational rules.
Overall, the Florida Boating Safety Act of 2022 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that is designed to improve safety on the water for all boaters in the state. By requiring education, setting minimum ages for operators, requiring safety equipment, and prohibiting risky behaviors, the Act aims to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on Florida’s waters.