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Marine Law Enforcement Task Force Promotes Water Safety
Jun 20, 2007 Press Release Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force Promotes Water Safety with Newest Vessel The Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force will be unveiling the newest vessel in the fleet just in time for Lee County's summer boating season. Fort Myers Police Department's 26-foot Donzi Police Boat will be christened Friday, June 22nd, at Ft. Myers Centennial Park Boat Ramp at 10 a.m. The christening of Ft. Myer's newest patrol boat is intended to focus attention on the beginning of a potentially dangerous summer boating season in South Florida. Boating fatalities in Florida occurred at an alarming and record-setting pace during the first half of 2007. Presently tied with four fatalities each, Lee and Collier counties are second only to Miami-Dade with 11. By comparison, there were four boating fatalities in Lee County during all of 2006. Recreation on Lee County waterways increases during the summer months. The Marine Law Enforcement Task Force will step up boating safety stops to ensure that everyone remains safe while they boat. The Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force wants all boaters to boat smart and boat safe by following three simple rules: Boat aware - always know what is going on around you Agencies involved in the Marine Task Force are: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Law Enforcement, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Cape Coral Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department, Sanibel Police Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard – Ft. Myers Beach Station, and the Coast Guard Cutter Marlin. Participating agencies are committed to protect the users of Lee County's waterways, safeguard property, and conserve and protect marine life and its environment. # # # MEDIA NOTE: For more information about the Lee County Marine Law Enforcement Task Force, please contact Justin McBride at Lee County Division of Natural Resources – Marine Program. Phone: (239) 479-8109 E-Mail: jmcbride@leegov.com |