OCSO Marine Unit Boating Safety Info for Crab Island and More

OCSO Marine Unit Sgt. Brian Parkton covers some of the most important things to focus on if you want to enjoy Crab Island and area waters safely.
From mid-June to July alone the Marine Unit responded to 29 distressed boater calls and 47 distressed swimmer calls, with the largest percentage happening in the area around Crab Island and the East Pass.
The main issues the OCSO Marine Unit wants to emphasize involve:
1. Boating sober.
2. Knowing and obeying the no wake zones.
3. Having life jackets on or readily available at all times.
4. Knowing your swimming limitations and being aware of the drop-offs and currents around Crab Island.
5. The need for and value of a boating safety education course.
6. The constant requirement to stay vigilant to who and what is around you on the water.
Have fun, but make safety your priority!