5 boating safety tips from the Blackwater Pyrates

Blackwater Pyrates Will Wilson and Carl Whitson. [Kevin Boyer | Press Gazette]

MILTON — As the weather warms and families return to the water, the civic organization Blackwater Pyrates share information about boating safety. 

The Blackwater Pyrates are a community-dedicated organization with a three-tier approach: boater safety and education, river cleanup, and maritime history preservation.

As part of their service to the community, in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Pyrates provide boaters with supplies that they may be missing to pass a boater inspection done by these organizations such as life jackets, letters and numbers needed for a vessel and sound devices.

“We do that as a service to the community.” Pyrates Captain Carl "Boot" Whitson said. “We feel like it helps keep people safe.” 

In conjunction with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Pyrates annually assist in putting on a boating safety class, which allows boaters to get a license.

“We encourage everyone to take these classes.” Whitson said.

Blackwater Pyrate Will "Leatherneck" Wilson said the Pyrates do what they do to make the waters safer for people to enjoy.

“We live in paradise,” Wilson said. “People need to be educated on boater safety.”   

The Blackwater Pyrates offer these five tips:

  1. Respect “No Wake Zones:” No wake zones are zones declared designated bodies of water. Any vessel operating in a speed zone posted as "No Wake" must operate at the minimum speed that allows you to maintain steering and make headway.
  2. Make sure your boat has been inspected by the FWC or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to make sure you meet all requirements. An example would be having the correct number of lifejackets for the boat size.
  3. Stay well hydrated. Whitson says it is important to stay hydrated especially during hot seasons and it is imperative that the captain of the boat to always stay hydrated.
  4. Educate yourselves. Know how to operate and navigate your boat. Stay focused on the water at all times. Remember, you are responsible for all your passengers as well as all those around you.
  5. Be courteous of all boats around you, even those that are stopped, docked, or fishing.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 5 boating safety tips from the Blackwater Pyrates