TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With Saturday’s Gasparilla Parade incoming, the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement are blocking off parts of Tampa Bay for the festivities.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, a safety zone will be in place to keep casual boaters away from the parade floats.
“We want everyone to be safe and have fun during Gasparilla,” said Capt. Michael Kahle, Sector St. Petersburg commander. “Drink responsibly and have a designated boat driver, don’t pay for a charter without checking for a Coast Guard-issued Captain’s license, and don’t forget to make sure your loved ones are wearing a life jacket.”
Boaters will be required to stay out of restricted zones and remain 50 feet away from the floats. Slow speed and no wake zones will also be in place.
“All northbound vessels without prior mooring arrangements within the Tampa Convention Center Basin and not officially entered in the Gasparilla parade must use the alternate route through Sparkman Channel,” the Coast Guard said. “All boaters are advised to monitor VHF Ch. 16 and contact the Coast Guard or other nearby agency partners in the event of a water emergency.”
Boaters are reminded to not through anything into coastal waterways, including beads, as it is against state law.
If you’re going on a boat that isn’t yours, be sure the captain has a captain’s license before paying for a ride.
The Coast Guard also offered the following guidelines:
- Always wear a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway.
- Check to ensure all required safety equipment and radios are onboard, functional, and in good condition before going on the water.
- Don’t drink and boat.
- Check the weather before going on the water.
- File a float plan: tell someone where you are going, and when you’ll be back.
- Have a properly registered EPIRB or personal locator beacon. Register your EPIRB, here.
- Visit CGAUX.org to request a vessel safety check and take a boating safety course; we all need a refresher sometimes.
Boaters are asked to keep an eye out for wildlife.