Law enforcement groups to host boating safety event

Boaters in Sarasota can get their boats inspected at the 10th Street Boat Ramp this Saturday, as various law enforcement groups are holding an Interagency Boating Safety Inspection Day.

The Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Longboat Key Police Department, United States Coast Guard Flotilla 84 and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are teaming up to host the event. Officers will perform safety inspections and answer questions from boat owners. After passing the inspection, boats deemed to be in full compliance will be given a 2014 multi-agency sticker for display while on the water.

Officers will also be providing educational material for boat owners. The groups will have children’s life jackets at the event, which were provided by Target, according to a Sarasota Police Department release.

The release states that, as the summer approaches, people often begin to use their boats without performing safety equipment checks. Law enforcement officers can cite boats that fail to meet local safety standards.

“According to the United States Coast Guard, each year, hundreds of lives are lost, thousands are injured and millions of dollars in property damage happens because of preventable recreational boating accidents on our waterways,” said Lt. Kevin Stiff, a member of the SPD’s Patrol Division. “The Sarasota Police Department wants everyone to have a safe boating season.”

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. The 10th Street Boat Ramp is located at 1059 N. Tamiami Trail.

Contact David Conway at [email protected]