TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida officials are reminding boaters of ways they can remain safe while on the water following the release of the 2015 Boating Accident Statistical Report.
In a statement Wednesday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said nearly half of last year's boating accidents involved collisions and 34 percent of those collisions were due to inattention or the operator failing to maintain a proper look-out.
The commission is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and compiling boating accident data for the state. Its report details boating accidents and their causes.
FWC spokesman Capt. Tom Shipp says many of the accidents could have been prevented if boaters had paid closer attention to their surroundings, maintained proper lookout, and if everyone had been wearing a life jacket.
Florida had 737 boating accidents in 2015.
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