The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County and local law enforcement agencies are participating in a boating safety event this Saturday, June 13, at Phil Foster Park in Palm Beach County. Agency representatives will be on hand to offer free boat inspections, discuss boating regulations and accept expired flares.
Florida is a boating paradise with a multitude of boating opportunities virtually year round. This time of year, the number of boaters often increases as people get out and enjoy all Florida has to offer. The FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement works to provide safe and enjoyable boating for the people of Florida.
“Safe boating is no accident,” said FWC Captain Jeff Ardelean. “Before going out on the water, people should make sure their boat is stocked with up-to-date safety equipment: serviceable life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers and a sound-producing device. You don’t want to wait until you need one of these items and realize it’s missing, expired or damaged.”
The boating safety event is from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, June 13, at Phil Foster Park, 900 E. Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach.
Representatives from the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County will be on hand to accept expired flares from local residential boaters. Flares from commercial entities will not be accepted at this event. Boat flares serve as a visual distress signal for vessels on the water and generally expire after three years. Having up-to-date safety equipment on board a vessel is imperative to boating safely.
“This event is a great opportunity for boaters to check their safety equipment and conveniently dispose of hazardous items, such as expired boat flares, in an environmentally sound manner,” said SWA Hazardous Waste Director Bob Madden. “We are proud to partner with the FWC to offer a safe flare disposal opportunity to our local boating community.”
For more information about proper disposal of household hazardous wastes visit SWA.org/HCRC. For more information on safety equipment for recreational vessels visit MyFWC.com/Boating and click on “Safety & Education.”