Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to call for boat and water safety over the 4th of July holiday

On Wednesday, July 3^rd, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will host a press conference, along with members of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, State legislators, municipal elected officials, and members of the Lucy Fernandez Foundation, to call on the community to celebrate the July 4^th holiday by staying safe on the water. The press conference will be followed by a ride-along on Miami-Dade Police Department Marine Patrol and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue boats. 

The July 4th holiday can bring increased boater traffic along our waterways and Biscayne Bay. To ensure residents and visitors can recreate safely, Miami-Dade County first responders are working closely with the US Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and our many cities and municipalities to increase law enforcement across the Bay.

The Coast Guard released the annual recreational boating statistics report for 2022 and counted 4,040 accidents which included 636 deaths and 2,222 injuries nationwide. The most common causes of death are drowning, trauma, and cardiac arrest. Ahead of the 4th of July holiday weekend, boaters should remember to never drink and drive, review weather before going out on the water, and consider taking a boater safety course to keep our Bay safe for all.