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FWC Offers Safe Boating Tips For Memorial Weekend

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida wildlife officials are pushing for safe boating this Memorial Day weekend.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says its officers have responded to 236 accidents so far this year, including 11 fatalities. Out of last year's 62 boating fatalities, 38 were due to drowning.

The commission offers these basic tips for boating safety: Plan ahead and pay attention. Boat operators need to keep an eye on their surroundings, including weather, waves, wildlife and objects like waterway markers, docks and other boats.

The FWC reports that boat operators failing to pay attention remains the leading cause for boating accidents. FWC officers patrol waterways to check that boaters have the appropriate gear and are operating safely.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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