Coast Guard and Sarasota safety officials urge life jackets, kill-switch use before Memorial Day

Assistant Chief Tim Dorsey and Senior Chief Derek Waters of the U.S. Coast Guard issued a public-safety advisory for Sarasota County on Boater Safety Week and Beach Safety Week, urging precautions ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.

"Make sure you have your life jackets, one for everybody on board," Senior Chief Derek Waters said, urging boaters to confirm that life jackets, fire extinguishers and any required flares are aboard and operational before the first launch of the season. He said these checks help avoid preventable emergencies once a vessel is underway.

Waters also emphasized a safety and legal requirement for small boats: "If you're on a boat that's less than 26 feet and you're operating on plane, you have to wear a kill switch. Now, that's a law that changed about four to five years ago." He cited instances in Sarasota and Manatee Counties of people falling overboard and boats running away when a kill switch was not in use.

The senior chief highlighted training available through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, saying the volunteer organization offers monthly safe-boating courses in Bradenton (Manatee County), Longboat Key, Sarasota, Venice and Englewood.

Assistant Chief Tim Dorsey shifted the advisory to beach safety, advising residents and visitors to "swim near our lifeguards" and to keep hydrated, use sunscreen and assign a "water watcher" to look after children and friends in the water so someone can respond immediately if trouble occurs.

Both officials closed by wishing people in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties a safe National Safe Boating Week, a safe Memorial Day weekend and a safe rest of the summer.