With more than 10,000 registered boaters in South Florida, you can bet the waters will be packed this weekend.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges you to be safe – and says life jackets are number 1.
"Over 60 percent of the people that die in Florida waterways, die as a result of drowning. Not as a result of the collision that occurs," FWC spokesman Jorge Pino says.
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Each year officers rescue roughly 1,000 people on the water. And so far in 2013, 12 people have died.
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NBC 6 went on a ride along with the FWC and Coast Guard last month as they checked for safety gear. Knowing what to have and how to use it is key.
Pino says if you aren't going to wear your life jacket, have it readily accessible. He says they will be out in full force this weekend, making sure you are being smart and safe on the water.
"We're going to have undercover officers pretending to be recreating right next to you, and they could be somebody that's watching you, make sure you are doing the right thing," he says.
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Just as they've done in years past, they will be checking to see if you have your safety gear, and making sure the captain isn't impaired.
"You're allowed to have alcohol on board your vessel. You're allowed to consume alcohol on board your vessel," Pino says. "The only thing you're not allowed to do is operate the vessel while you're intoxicated."
The FWC says enjoy the weekend, and have fun. But do it in a responsible, respectful way.
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