The Tampa Bay area is a beloved region partly due to its many waterways, bays, and Gulf shores. Tampa is surrounded by a lot of water — and a lot of boats.
With so many vessels on the waterways, how can you protect yourself and ensure a safe day on the water?
How Many Boats Are Around Tampa Bay?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says there are more than a million boats registered in Florida. Thousands of those boats are in and around Tampa Bay.
In 2022, the FWC estimated Pinellas county had 53,867 registered boats and Hillsborough had 41,495.
Our waterways are filled with vessels, which can be the source of both a relaxing day on the water and, in some cases, danger.
The FWC’s 2024 Boating Accident Statistical Report said there were 685 reportable boating accidents in Florida in 2024. There were 81 fatalities in 2024, which was a significant jump from only 22 fatalities in 2023.
The report also found a majority of the fatal boating accidents involved operators with no formal boating training. Sixty-five percent (65%)of operators involved in fatal accidents had no formal boater education.
Boating presents danger. As an operator, you must know how to drive a vessel as well as protect yourself from other drivers. Being a passenger also puts you at risk, as was recently seen in the tragic Clearwater Ferry accident. On April 27, 2025, more than 40 passengers were aboard the Clearwater Ferry near the Memorial Causeway Bridge when a 37-foot recreational boat ran into the back of the ferry. One man, Jose Castro, was killed, and ten others were injured.
So, how can you protect yourself on the water?
How to Protect Yourself Boating Around Tampa Bay
Whether you are a boat operator or passenger, you can protect yourself by following boating safety rules and precautions.
- Know the waters. Understanding water depth is key to safe boating. Tampa Bay is full of shallow flats, sandbars, and changing tide zones that can surprise even experienced boaters. Use marine navigation apps and systems to measure depth and avoid shallow water.
- Be aware of boating traffic patterns. Tampa Bay is a busy waterway with everything from recreational boats to massive cargo ships. Stay alert to established boating lanes, especially near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and shipping channels. Always yield to larger vessels, follow posted markers, and avoid anchoring in high-traffic zones.
- Stock the boat with safety gear. Make sure your boat is stocked with essential safety gear, including U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, a fire extinguisher, flares, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget a whistle or air horn for signaling, and check that your navigation lights are working.
- Don’t drink and drive. Driving a boat is no different from driving a motor vehicle when it comes to drinking laws. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence. Not only can driving a boat under the influence be dangerous, but it can also lead to a DUI charge.
- Don’t ride with someone who drinks and drives. When you are a passenger, you are only as safe as the driver of the boat. Do not ride with boat operators who have consumed alcohol or drugs.
- Take a boating safety course. While boating safety courses are not always required for boat operators, training sessions can elevate your boating skills and give you (and your passengers) a safer experience on the water.
What To Do If in a Boating Accident in Tampa Bay
Even if you follow safety precautions, you can still find yourself in a dangerous situation on a boat. Have a plan for what to do if you are involved in a boating accident.
- Do not leave the scene.
- Ensure everyone is accounted for. Put on lifejackets (if you aren’t wearing them), and help anyone who may have fallen overboard.
- Turn off the boat engine and drop the anchor.
- Check for injuries and render first-aid.
- Call for help.
- Once everyone is safe and the scene is secure, document the incident by taking photos of the damage, surrounding areas, and injuries.
- Exchange information with all parties involved.
- Once on dry land, contact an attorney.
- Report the incident to the FWC. You are required to report the incident if someone is injured or killed and/or there is property damage of $2,000 or more.
If in a boating accident, the first step is securing the scene and making sure everyone is okay. Call for help, aid injured parties, and ensure the boat is safe and secure. Then, start to think about the next steps of collecting evidence and acquiring legal aid.
Talk to a Tampa-Based Boating Accident Attorney
If you are involved in a boating accident, it’s important to talk to an attorney right away.
An attorney can protect your interests. If you are accused of causing the incident, an attorney can fight to tell your side of the story. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, an attorney can fight to get you the compensation you deserve to fix damages and cover costs from the accident.
TJ Grimaldi is a personal injury attorney who is a lifelong resident of the Tampa area. He is familiar with cases involving boating accidents and here to help you in the aftermath of a boating incident. Don’t navigate the legal system on your own. Talk to TJ today. Call anytime 813-226-1023 or contact us to schedule your free consultation.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
