On Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Sarasota Police Department and the Civilian Volunteer Marine Program will partner with the United States Coast Guard Flotilla 84 and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission for an Interagency Boating Safety Inspection Day at Centennial Park, 1059 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (also known as the 10th Street Boat Ramp). 

“According to the United States Coast Guard, each year, hundreds of lives are lost, thousands are injured and millions of dollars in property damage happens because of preventable recreational boating accidents on our waterways. The Sarasota Police Department wants to make sure everyone has a safe boating season,” said Officer Michael Skinner, Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol.

 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.  In the excitement of the holiday weekend, safety equipment checks are often overlooked.  Families may later find themselves without the necessary equipment in an emergency or be upset when they are cited for violations for local law enforcement. 

A boating safety public service announcement from the Sarasota Police Department Marine Patrol Unit can be seen at https://youtu.be/sQimT7mlib4

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