Boaters Urged to Look Out for Manatees During National Safe Boating Week
LONGWOOD, FL — With summer just around the corner and National Safe Boating Week kicking off May 17–23, Save the Manatee Club urges boaters and water enthusiasts to be extra cautious and share the waterways responsibly with manatees. The awareness campaign, leading to the busy Memorial Day weekend, highlights boating safety and the urgent need to protect these gentle, imperiled marine mammals.
Manatees, slow-moving aquatic mammals often found in Florida’s shallow coastal waters, rivers, estuaries, and canals, are especially vulnerable to boat collisions. As some migrate as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, the threat of boat strikes remains a leading cause of manatee injury and death. Alarmingly, over 90% of Florida’s manatees bear scars from encounters with boats.
“National Safe Boating Week is a perfect time to remind everyone how we can enjoy the water while protecting manatees,” said Patrick Rose, Aquatic Biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “We also want to acknowledge the responsible boaters who serve as vital eyes and ears on the water, reporting injured manatees and helping save lives.”
Boating? Follow These Manatee Safety Tips:
- Obey Speed Zones: Always observe posted speed limits, especially in manatee zones.
- Wear Polarized Sunglasses: These reduce glare and help spot manatees beneath the surface.
- Watch for Signs: Look for swirls, flat spots, or breaks in the water, which may indicate a manatee is nearby.
- Keep Your Distance: Do not touch, chase, or feed manatees. Avoid marked sanctuaries. It’s not only harmful—it’s also illegal.
- Report Distressed Manatees:
- In Florida, call FWC: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
- Outside Florida: Find your local rescue group at savethemanatee.org/report
- Avoid Seagrass Beds: Stick to deep channels and steer clear of shallow seagrass areas where manatees feed.
- Properly Dispose of Fishing Line: Prevent entanglements by recycling or properly discarding used line.
Free Resources for Boaters and Waterfront Property Owners
Save the Manatee Club provides free materials to promote manatee-safe boating, including:
- Waterproof boat banners
- Manatee safety tip cards
- Reporting decals
- Aluminum dock signs for marinas and waterfront properties
Visit savethemanatee.org/resources to request your materials.
Join Our Webinar
Save the Manatee Club will host a live webinar on Tuesday, May 20, at 6:00 p.m. ET to further support safe boating practices. Register at savethemanatee.org/register.
About Save the Manatee Club
Founded in 1981 by the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett and former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham, Save the Manatee Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting manatees and their aquatic habitats. Learn more at savethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646).
