TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – As the Riverwalk grows in popularity, it’s drawing more people to Downtown Tampa. These visitors are often heading out on the water in small rental boats for recreational fun. In addition, people renting kayaks and paddle boats further crowd the water.
That’s increasing the need for boating awareness and safety, police say.
With the start of the busy boating season just weeks away, Tampa police are gearing up to keep the waterways safe. “We will be on the lookout for careless and reckless operations, wake zone and other safety violations,” Master Police Officer Russell Spencer said.
Officer Spencer patrolled the waters Thursday, checking to see if boaters had the proper safety gear on board and in the right place.
He talked with a boater who had a flotation device tucked away. “This is your type four throwable. I understand you want to try and keep it somewhere out of the way but your type four throwable needs to be immediately accessible,” the officer said.
Boater Dave Foltz happened to be out for a day of fishing, when he and his friend were stopped. “I didn’t think we did anything wrong but I am glad it was for the safety aspect to get some more information out to the public, cause boating safety is a plus,” Foltz said.
That’s the point Tampa Police Department marine officers want to get out to the public. Marine patrol officers will be out looking for boaters under the influence – or those in distress and need of rescue.
Daniel Perez also encourages safety. He talks with customers who rent water bikes.
“Just use common sense; be safe. Don’t be an idiot out there. Here at the water bikes it is straight forward just to follow our rules,” Perez said.
Despite the crackdown, police do want visitors and residents to have fun on the water. “The best advice I can give is educate yourself on the rules of navigation, be more patient and be more courteous with other boaters,” Officer Spencer said.