FWC cracking down on BUI this Fourth of July

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Boating safety is top-of-mind this Fourth of July holiday.

Action News Jax caught up with some families as they were out on the water at Doctor’s Lake in Clay County.

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“We’ll probably go to the sandbar, and then also tube, ‘cause that’s the best part,” Elle Mayo said.

Elle Mayo, Piper Lamarre and Lily Simmons won’t be on the water without their life jackets.

“Boating can be dangerous,” Simmons added.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it’s cracking down on drunk boaters over the holiday.

Boater Dylan Mayo says he sees plenty of drinking and boating on the water.

“Anybody that’s behind the wheel, make sure they’re not drinking and driving – it’s the same as the road,” he said.

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In addition to staying sober on the water, Mayo shared some other safety tips.

“You want to make sure you have as many life vests as the people that are gonna be on board. Make sure to pay attention to other boats, because they’re not paying attention to you, more than likely,” he added.

Last month in Black Creek, a woman died after she was ejected from a boat that struck a dock at a high speed, according to the FWC. It’s still unknown whether alcohol was involved, the FWC says.

“The cops will be out there,” Mayo added. “They’ll get ya; they’ll pull you over.”

A spokesperson for FWC said they’ll have the number of Monday’s BUI’s next week.

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