As the sun beams down on the waters of Pinellas County, boaters are reminded to prioritize safety before setting sail. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office recently took to social media to emphasize the importance of being well-equipped on the water. “Before hitting the seas – or gulf – make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment for a safe journey,” the post begins, providing boaters with a checklist of essentials.
According to the post, a key item on this list is Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), which are mandatory for all passengers, and especially for children under 6 years of age who must wear them at all times aboard a moving vessel. The Sheriff’s Office warns, “Remember that approximately half of all boating fatalities are the result of drowning,” emphasizing the grave necessity of PFDs.
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