Florida offers some of the nation’s most scenic coastlines. But preventing damage to our seascape requires balanced common sense management. Understanding the complexities of our resources and learning how we affect our environment, for better or for worse, will improve how we manage our coastal environment.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection offers some valuable boater tips that will help preserve the health and cleanliness of our waterways.

Important for Boaters:

• Don't overfill the fuel tank of your boat. Wipe up any dripping fuel.
• Avoid fuel leaks by maintaining your engine.
• Avoid scrubbing your boat with soap.
• Don’t allow paint scrapings removed from the boat hull to enter the water.
• Exceeding idle speed in "no wake" zones is potentially harmful to you and those around you, and is also a threat to our natural environment. So watch your wake!
• Follow the Rickenbacker Causeway Motorboat exclusion zone. Motorboats and jet skis are prohibited from operation in all waters within 400 ft. around the Rickenbacker Causeway.
• Make sure you keep a "Safety on the Water" mentality by knowing the boat you are using, Know navigation rules and observe the courtesies of safe boating, maintain required safety devices and emergency equipment, be aware of weather conditions and be familiar with the waters you are traveling in.