For Immediate Release: August 29, 2006

About those one million registered boats in Florida?  And those 400,000+ boats from other states that frequently boat in Florida? A lot of them will be out on the waterways this Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. With more and more residents and visitors attracted to the sun and surf each year, there’s a growing concern for the safety of the people who love the water and for manatees and other aquatic wildlife.

Bob White, a retired NASA worker and long time boater and fisherman in Brevard County says, “When I’m out on the water, I often see people going too fast and who aren’t boating safely. I have also seen too many manatees with scars from collisions with boats.”

Brevard and Lee Counties continue to lead with the state’s highest watercraft-related manatee mortalities. Sixteen manatees have already died in Brevard this year. The record number of manatee deaths in Brevard from collisions with boats was set in 2002 with a total of 17 deaths – but that was for the entire year! In Lee County, 14 watercraft-related deaths have occurred since the start of the year. Overall, in Lee County alone, there have been 210 watercraft-related manatee deaths since record keeping began.

“Everyone who owns a boat should take the time to learn how to boat safely,” explains White. “They need to learn where the speed zones are, and just slow down and pay attention for the sake of the manatees, the lagoon, and other boaters.”  

What can boaters do to keep the waters safer for every man, woman, child and manatee this Labor Day weekend? Be responsible and think of others. And for the manatees’ protection, be sure to stay in deep water channels when possible and follow all posted boat speed regulations. If you see an injured manatee, call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on your cellular phone, or use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio.

Patrick Rose, Save the Manatee Club’s Executive Director as well as an avid boater, fisherman, and diver, says, “Please keep it safe and enjoyable for all concerned this longer holiday weekend by following sensible boating practices.”

Florida boaters can also request a free, “Please Slow: Manatees Below” bright yellow waterproof banner by contacting Save the Manatee Club via e-mail at education@savethemanatee.org, by regular mail at 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751, or by calling toll free at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646). Please include your name, mailing and e-mail addresses, along with the area where you boat in Florida. The banners can be used to quickly alert other boaters that manatees are present in the area.  It could save a manatee’s life.

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