The safety story this data tells
Ranked by what actually goes wrong here
These are ordered by Caloosahatchee River's own events and the circumstances that recur in its incident narratives, starting with the one the data says matters most. They map to what the Recademics Florida course teaches.
The strongest signal here
Check fuel and ventilation before you start
14% of the reports here (13 accidents, 2.6x the statewide rate) involve fire or explosion, often at the fuel dock or in the engine space. Run the blower before starting, sniff for fuel vapor, and keep a charged extinguisher within reach.
From the incident reports
Hold to the manatee slow zones
3% of the reports here (3 accidents, 2.8x the statewide rate) mention manatees or wildlife. Honor the posted slow-speed zones, wear polarized glasses to spot animals, and idle through the grass flats where they feed.
From the incident reports
Give docks, bridges, and pilings room
55% of the reports here (51 accidents) involve striking a fixed object like a dock, bridge, piling, or seawall. Approach structures at idle, account for current setting you sideways, and never cut a blind turn near a bridge.
From the incident reports
Own your wake
21% of the reports here (19 accidents, 1.7x the statewide rate) involve wake. You are responsible for the damage and injury your wake causes. Drop to idle in no-wake zones and near moored boats, and brace passengers when another boat's wake rolls through.
From the incident reports
Wear the life jacket
Drowning accounts for 6 of the deaths recorded here, and 83% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket. A life jacket only works worn. Florida requires every child under 6 to wear one on a vessel under 26 feet underway, and one wearable PFD for every person aboard.
