It’s a difficult time for all as we try to adapt to keep our community safe to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For boat owners, we are lucky to be able to enjoy time out on the water on our boats and not be stuck inside, while still practicing social distancing.
With beaches, parks, and many other public facilities closing, boating and fishing from our own vessels are one of the few activities we are still able to do within government regulations.
But with constant changes, businesses closing, and new state and local directives going into effect, some boaters are unsure on what the rules are. We’ve compiled all the information here to give you a guide on how to boat safely in Southwest Florida during COVID-19.
Government Orders for Safe Boating
An executive order by Governor Ron DeSantis requires boats to remain at least 50 feet apart and no more than 10 people allowed on a boat. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is in charge of enforcing these rules and have officers out on the water to make sure boaters are complying. On Tuesday, March 26th, the Lee County Sherriff’s department held a press conference where they urged boaters to follow social distancing guidelines while they are out on the water. They gave a list of safe boating guidelines to adhere to, including:- Limit offshore gatherings to groups of 10 or less
- Practice the six-foot social distancing rule while at boat ramps and marinas
- Only boat with members of your household your isolating with
- Refrain from "rafting" or tying watercraft together, which allows people to easily pass from boat to boat
- Self-isolate if not feeling well
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, rafts, and lotions
- Sanitize hands after fueling watercraft