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Boat Speed Zones - Understanding the Difference
Idle Speed- No wake is that speed which is necessary to maintain steerage. The speed at which you dock your boat is idle speed, no wake. Generally this is a speed of 1 to 3 miles per hour.
Slow Speed-
Minimum Wake is that speed which allows your boat to be completely settled in the water with very little or no wake. Your boat is not on plane. Generally this is a speed of 5 to 7 miles per hour.
Endangered Manatees inhabit these waters. Please observe all posted speed limits for your boating safety and Manatee protection.
Jet Ski Safe Boating Requirements
No person shall operate any watercraft in excess of IDLE SPEED within 300 feet of any land fronting on the Gulf of Mexico, in Sarasota County.
No person shall operate any watercraft withing a swimming area, which has been marked with buoys, nor within 500 feet of any guarded public beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
When you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe (divers-down flag) in the Gulf of Mexico, you must go no faster than idle speed within 300 feet of the flag.
The operator and all passengers must wear a life jacket at all times and the operator must keep the lanyard attached to his/her wrist or PFD (as directed) at all times while operating the vessel. Then if you fall off the PWC (personal watercraft), the engine will stop.
Do Not Release the Throttle when Trying to Steer
You need throttle to steer.
Take Early Action to Avoid Collisions
Remember, PWC's and other boats do not have brakes.
Scan Constantly
Scan constantly for people, objects and other watercraft.
Be alert for conditions that limit your visibility or block your
vision of others.
Operate Defensively
- Operate at safe speeds
- Keep a safe distance away from people, objects and other boats (including PWC's).
- Do not follow directly behind PWC's or other boats.
- Do not go near others to spray or splash them with water.
- Avoid sharp turns and other maneuvers that make it difficult for others to avoid colliding with you or that make it difficult for others to understand where you are going.
The best way to avoid a collision is to STAY AWAY FROM EACH OTHER AND ALL OTHER VESSELS!!!!