Tuesday, April 25, 2006

2005 Fla. boating deaths highest in 10 years

Boating deaths in Florida rose 2005 to the highest number reported in 10 years, but Lee and Collier counties reported only one fatality each among their 74,000-plus registered boats.

"We are very concerned about the upward trend in boating fatalities," said wildlife commission Capt. Richard Moore, Florida's boating law administrator. "Especially given the fact the vast majority of these are easily preventable."

Polk County had the highest number of fatalities in boating accidents in 2005, according to a report released this week by the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Volusia County ranks sixth for boating accidents in the state.

Boating deaths and accidents surged in Florida Keys waters in 2005, keeping Monroe County in its dubious spot at the top of Florida's maritime mayhem.

Lee and Collier counties had only one fatality each among their 74,000-plus registered boats.

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The number of boats are rising with this State’s population and thus we can expect more of this unless boaters are educated and follow the rules.

Dwayne

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