Orlando, Florida — It may be Labor Day, but it’s also a day to celebrate Florida’s official state marine mammal. As many people hit the waterways on Labor Day, it’s a great time to review boating safety tips. Since record keeping began in 1974, more than 41% of manatee deaths were human related – and almost 34% were due to watercraft collisions. Save the Manatee is a non-profit organization based in Maitland. They say their mission is to protect imperiled manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations. They offer some great reminders for boaters who want to do their part to save the manatees.
- Report injured or dead manatees to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). You can also send a text or email message to Tip@MyFWC.com or use VHF Channel 16 on your marine radio.
- Get a boater’s guide for the county or counties you will be visiting so you can become familiar with the location of manatee speed zones before your trip.
- Wear polarized sunglasses while boating to eliminate the glare of the sun and see below the water’s surface.
- Stay in deep water channels when boating. Avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow areas where manatees might be feeding. However, be aware that manatees also use deep water channels when traveling.
- Look for a snout, back, tail, or flipper breaking the surface of the water. A swirl or flat spot on the water is also created by the motion of the manatee’s tail when it dives or swims.
- If you see a manatee while operating a boat or personal watercraft, remain a safe distance away — 50 feet is the suggested minimum. If you want to observe the manatee, cut your motor.
- If you like to jet-ski, water-ski, or participate in high-speed watersports, choose areas that manatees do not or cannot frequent, such as land-locked lakes or waters well offshore.
- Obey posted speed zone signs and keep away from posted manatee sanctuaries.