ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and partner agencies are scheduled to enforce a safety zone for the Gasparilla Parade, Saturday, on Tampa Bay from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All boaters must stay 50-feet from parade vessels, stay out of restricted areas, and observe all “no wake” and “slow speed” zones while maintaining a sharp lookout for protected mammals and other sensitive wildlife.
A 100-yard safety zone will be enforced around the vessel Jose Gaspar while it is docked at the Tampa Yacht Club until 6 p.m.
Personal watercraft and vessels without mechanical propulsion are prohibited from the parade route. All northbound vessels, without prior mooring arrangements within the Tampa Convention Center Basin and not officially entered in the Gasparilla parade, must use the alternate route through Sparkman Channel.
Mariners are advised to be aware of a developing weather situation that will create hazardous boating conditions, especially for smaller vessels. The National Weather Service forecasts deteriorating marine conditions with winds of 23 to 29 mph, gusts up to 35 mph, and very rough bay waters. These conditions can pose significant risk to the boating public. Given the forecast, all boaters, and especially those with smaller vessels and limited experience, are urged to evaluate their plans and prioritize safety of their passengers.
“Gasparilla is an amazing time for friends and families to gather and celebrate some of the best Tampa Bay has to offer,” said Capt. Corrie Sergent, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. “In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable celebration if you are planning on being on the water please follow these simple rules: drink responsibly and have a designated sober driver, don’t pay for a charter without checking for a Coast Guard-issued Captain’s license, operate at a safe speed at all times, and please wear a life jacket.”
All boaters are advised to monitor VHF Ch. 16 and contact the Coast Guard or other nearby agency partners in the event of a water emergency.
Mariners are reminded to:
- Don’t drink and boat.
- Check the weather before going on the water.
- Always wear a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway.
- File a float plan: tell someone where you are going, and when you’ll be back.
- Check to ensure all required safety equipment and radios are onboard, functional, and in good condition before going on the water.
- Have a properly registered EPIRB or personal locator beacon. Register your EPIRB, here.
- Visit CGAUX.org to request a vessel safety check and take a boating safety course; we all need a refresher sometimes.
The Coast Guard advises the public to check for a Coast Guard-issued captain’s license before paying to ride on a boat.
All spectators are reminded it is against the law to throw any items into Tampa Bay or coastal waterways of the state, including beads thrown from boats during the parade.
Partner agencies include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and additional local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
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