The Labor Day weekend means people are taking to the water for fun and relaxation.

What You Need To Know

  • Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are out to enforce waterway laws

  • Last year, there were 380 citations

  • Officers said their goal is to keep everyone on the water safe

But there are still rules to abide by to make sure everyone is safe.

The holiday means all hands on deck for officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

And we got a firsthand look as they patrolled to keep boaters safe.

Last year, zero boating related deaths were reported on Florida’s waters over the long holiday weekend.

Twenty arrests were made for boating under the influence, and 380 citations were issued, along with warnings for more than 2800 boaters for safety violations.

Lt. Ray Cybula stopped another jet skier for not slowing down enough as they approached a wake zone. Turns out it was his first time riding one and he welcomed the educational tips.

“I am brand new to the water, and for these officers to tell me the rules and regulations, I don’t take offense. I take it as them doing their job,” Enrico Rodriguez said.

“The ultimate goal on a day like today make sure everyone goes home safe,” says Cybula.

FWC says people born after 1988 must complete an online safety course on myfwc.com/boating .