Officials urge caution on waterways as Memorial Day weekend nears

As Memorial Day weekend approaches the Coast Guard is teaming up with local and state agencies to promote boating safety practices and remind the community to stay safe and alert on the water Boating safety is in focus as the Memorial Day weekend nears prompting agencies to gather at the Crandon Park Marina boat ramp in Key Biscayne Thursday and remind the residents about approaches to celebrate safely on the water Functionaries emphasized the following Stay hydrated as temperatures will be at an all-time-high this weekend No drinking and boating Ensure there s an experienced designated captain before heading on the waters If one decided to take their boats for a cruise make sure safety equipment is on the vessel meaning enough life vets for every traveler pets included a floating throw device and handheld flares Pay attention to what you see and what you hear The safety of everyone on board and around you depends on it Second we have a zero tolerance for boating under the influence Boating while impaired by alcohol or drugs is not only dangerous It is illegal disclosed Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer George Reynaud Experts mentioned unfailingly have a plan remain vigilant and hit the water with an experienced boater We still see a lot of inexperience out there and that s usually what causes the incidents and the accidents is the inexperience that s why we say go out with an experience boater if you re going to go out Know the rules of the road do it responsibly and do it safely commented Lt Pete Sanchez with City of Miami Fire Department Executives reported to tell loved ones your location so they re informed in the event of an accident