The Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies are urging Florida boaters and visitors to observe safety precautions while on the water this holiday weekend.
Figures show 90 percent of water fatalities happen to people not wearing a life vest, so experts say everyone on a boat should have one on, and children under 6-years-old are required to wear one.
Also beware of rules regarding drinking alcohol while boating, watch out for dive flags, monitor the weather before going out, and share your boating plan with those on shore.