News Release

Safe boating campaign in high gear

May 21, 2008
Contact: Capt. Ken Parramore, (850) 265-3676

The Bay County Marine Law Enforcement Alliance is kicking off a campaign this week, aimed at getting all boaters to wear their life jackets.

However, there’s one sweet caveat in the “I Got Caught… wearing my life jacket” campaign for the youngest boaters.  Any underage boater whom law enforcement officers see wearing their life jacket through the summer will receive a card entitling them to a free Junior Frosty at any of the six Wendy’s restaurants in Bay County.

“Drowning is the number-one cause of death in boating accidents and something that’s very preventable.  If more boaters would simply wear their life jackets, particularly while their vessel is moving, this is something we wouldn’t be talking about,” said Capt. Ken Parramore of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement.  “We’re appreciative that Wendy’s is willing to partner with us in this boating initiative.”

The Bay County Marine Alliance members are the FWC, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Environmental Protection – Florida Park Police and cities of Panama City and Panama City Beach.

Some boaters have indicated in the past they didn’t like wearing a life jacket due to its bulkiness or fit.  However, there’s been a revolution in life jacket design, and today they are lighter, more compact and less restrictive.  They include lightweight over-the-shoulder and belt-type inflatables, in addition to vest-type life jackets.

Parramore said boaters should always pay attention and watch for other boats or obstacles in their path.  Inattentiveness is a leading factor in boating mishaps. 

Another major cause of boating accidents is a result of impaired operators.  He said if alcohol is consumed on a vessel, there should be a sober designated operator.

“Our campaign in Bay County dovetails with our broader statewide life jacket campaign, ‘Wear it Florida,’” Parramore said.  “Our goal is to drastically reduce boating accidents and fatalities.”