Task force to celebrate National Safe Boating Week with two-day event
National Safe Boating Week begins this weekend. Boaters will have a chance to shoot flare guns, use fire extinguishers to douse flames aboard a boat, and learn how to properly use an inflatable life jacket. These safety devices will be demonstrated in action in a non-emergency setting during this downtown Fort Myers event.
The hands-on boating safety exercises for the public to kick off National Safe Boating Week will be held from Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Centennial Park Boat Ramp, 2000 West First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901. The event is free. The Fort Myers Power Squadron, in conjunction with the Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, will hold a free safety and instructional day.
In addition to the hands-on training with fire extinguishers and emergency flares, attendees can receive a free vessel safety check. For more information on the public event, call Earl Bartholomew at 941-268-2929.
Both events kick off National Safe Boating Week, which runs May 22-28.
The task force, which was formed in 2003, includes members from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Myers Police Department, Cape Coral Police Department, Sanibel Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Marlin, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Law Enforcement, United States Power Squadrons, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.