The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will be conducting free boat safety inspections this weekend at two Pinellas County boat ramps.

PINELLAS COUNTY – Deputies from the Pinellas County sheriff’s marine unit will be at two boat ramps today (July 28) and tomorrow to perform free safety equipment checks on boats.

The deputies will be checking for required boat safety equipment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Seminole boat ramp, 198 Seminole St., Clearwater, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (July 29) at the Belleair Causeway boat ramp,3900 W Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs.

Deputies will mainly be checking for:

• Correct number of life jackets – there needs to be a personal flotation device for each passenger on board and it must be size appropriate.
• Throw cushions
• Flares
• Fire extinguisher

*Exact items checked for are dependent on vessel size and the destination.*

Go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for a list of other mandatory items based on what type of boat you have.

Boats that are in full compliance will receive a sticker from a marine unit deputy, showing that the vessel was in full compliance for future reference. If it is determined that the vessel is not in compliance, deputies will educate the boat operator of the missing equipment.

Pinellas Sheriff | Boating | Recreation | Sports | Boat Safety | Tampabay News

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