St.Petersburg, Fla. (970 WFLA)-The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit will be conducting free boat safety inspections this weekend at two Pinellas County boat ramps . Deputies will be checking for required vessel safety equipment.
On Saturday, June 23, Marine Unit Deputies will be at the Pinellas County Fort Desoto Park Boat Ramp at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde from, 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
On Sunday, June 24th deputies will be at the Pinellas War Veterans Memorial Park Boat Ramp at 9600 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg from, 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
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 to where they are travelling.
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.
Photo Credit:MyFWC