The Executive Order announced earlier today by Florida’s Governor requires that everyone stay at home unless they work for essential services or participate in essential activities. What does this mean for boaters?
WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL ACTIVITY
According to the executive order, this is how essential activities are defined; “Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running or swimming…” The full order can be viewed HERE.
HERE’S ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO SOCIAL DISTANCE
WHAT IT MEANS FOR BOATERS
Boating is defined as a “recreational activity”. Therefore, we should be allowed to go boating as long as we adhere to the FWC social-distancing rules already in place. Those rules require we don’t have more than 10 people onboard and keep at least 50 feet from other boaters.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY REFERENCE
In the Governor’s Executive Order, he makes reference to Miami-Dade’s guidelines on “essential services”. However, there’s a little ambiguity because Miami-Dade appears to restrict private and municipal boat ramps and parks but allows Marina’s and other facilities to remain open and deems them as “essential”. That means people appear to still be able to boat but can’t use public or private boat ramps (unless in a “marina”). On the other hand, recreation (specifically fishing) is considered “essential” so we shouldn’t be prevented from “recreating”. Furthermore, preventing one class of boater (those who trailer their boats) from access to the water while others are allowed, is discriminatory.
BOAT RAMP SITUATION
The closure of boat ramps is a local decision at this time. Some counties have closed access to their boat ramps while others have not. Click HERE to see why I think it’s not right to close boat ramps. Certain law enforcement personnel don’t agree with closing boat ramps. Click the link below to see one example. Stay current with local officials regarding boat ramp closures in your area.
DON’T BE “THAT GUY” WHO WRECKS IT FOR EVERYONE ELSE
It’s very important that as boaters, we strictly adhere to the rules. If we don’t, we’ll have our privileges restricted or revoked and we’ll ruin our opportunity to be trusted in the future. Please don’t be “that guy”!
IT’S ALL ABOUT AVOIDING THE DISEASE
While you’re enjoying a well-deserved, mental vacation, please remember your main priority is staying safe, protecting yourself and protecting others from COVID-19. It’s all about minimal interaction with others.
COVID-19 FLORIDA BOATING RESOURCES
CLICK HERE FOR THE FWC COVID-19 UPDATES
CLICK HERE FOR GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
CLICK HERE FOR BOAT RAMP STATUS AROUND THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Consider Boat U.S. for your boating needs. They are a great organization that provides numerous resources to improve your life on the water AND trailering your boat. Click HERE for more information.
