Author: Scott Le Roy

Warm, sunny days are just around the corner! Fill your beach bag with sunglasses, a towel, flip flops, a portable speaker, and plenty of sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Because of this, sun-lovers should be well versed on sunscreen and how to choose the best brand and SPF.  Which sunscreen should you choose?The American Dermatology Association recommends one that’s labeled “broad spectrum” because that means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause wrinkles and age spots and UVB rays cause sunburn. Both can cause skin cancer. Should you choose spray, lotion, stick, or gel?This mostly boils down to personal preference. The best sunscreen is one you actually use. What’s the deal with SPF?SPF is a measure of how much UVB light a sunscreen can filter out. It’s typically suggested to use at least 30 SPF, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. If you’re going to be outside for a...

Boating safety awareness is extremely important. In 2019 alone, there were 58 boating accidents and 65 fatalities in Florida. You don’t want to end up in a boating accident that could’ve been prevented. So, what can you do as Memorial Day approaches? Stay vigilant, practice patience, and be smart.  The leading cause of boating accident fatalities is drowning, according to the 2019 Boating Accident Statistic Report. In order to combat this preventable type of death, always wear a lifejacket.  Some other valuable safety tips include:  Maintain 360-degree awareness at all timesKnow the dangers and penalties for driving a boat while under the influenceAfter swimming, count your passengers to account for everyone before starting the engineCarry a first aid kit, a toolkit, a fire extinguisher, flotation devices, and radio devices onboard Always check the weather before you leave the dockDevelop a float plan and always tell someone on land where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone Check out MyFWC.com/Boating for even more boating safety...

With boating season comes the need for an increased awareness surrounding large sea creatures, such as manatees and sea turtles. Boat collisions are the leading cause of sea turtle and manatee strandings, injuries, and death. Both of these animals are endangered and must be protected at all costs. However, it’s not always easy to see animals lurking beneath the ocean’s surface. So, what can you do? Drive cautiously, be ready to slow down or avoid animals in your pathway, and if you do happen to hit a sea turtle or a manatee, call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) (the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). You won’t be penalized if the collision was an accident, and you may even save the animal’s life. If you think sea turtles only inhabit the ocean, you’re incorrect. They also occur in sounds, estuaries, and tidal creeks. As for manatees, they migrate from Florida to Georgia each spring and gravitate towards marsh grass and aquatic vegetation. They’re extremely large...

Everything has changed in the wake of COVID-19. It’s no longer safe to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities with friends and family. However, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves and our mental health. So, what do we do? Fortunately, some outdoor activities can be safely enjoyed solo. One of these activities is surfing. Before you rush to the ocean, check with your local authorities to figure out how you can access local beaches without violating quarantine rules. Many beaches are temporarily closed to the public. If surfing is allowed, do so respectfully and responsibly. Here’s how.  1. Put on your gear at home.Wax your surfboard and put on your wetsuit in the safety of your home. This reduces time in parking lots and allows you to avoid interacting with other surfers who may not be following social distancing rules.  2. Surf alone.Surfing with a friend is ideal, but during a pandemic, social interaction must be limited. Just be...

MarineMax is now offering virtual classes to allow customers to expand their boating knowledge. One of their most popular classes, MarineMax Women on Water, is designed to inspire confidence on the water and get women behind the helm. The course allows participants to learn boating basics such as line handling, how to tie proper knots, boat terminology, and boating safety techniques. Classes are taught by U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains and are appropriate for both brand new beginners and experienced boaters who need a refresher course. While everyone is social distancing during COVID-19, take advantage of these online offerings! They’re a great way to continue learning while you’re stuck inside....

COVID-19 is forcing everyone to navigate unfamiliar territory. Many boaters are uncertain if it’s safe to go boating, who they can go boating with, and where they can go once they leave the marina. It might seem perfectly fine to venture into open waters, but it’s more important than ever to limit unnecessary risk to other boaters, first responders, and law enforcement. Here are some helpful tips for social distancing safely on the water. Make sure you’re knowledgeable about state and local guidelines. Information changes rapidly in the midst of COVID-19, so it’s important to be aware and alert.Stay in your local area. Traveling is not advised or even permitted in most states.The only people on your boat should be members of your immediate household. This means no friends, colleagues, or adult children that live on their own. If they don’t live in your household and they aren’t quarantining with you, you need to stay six feet away from them.If you encounter...

Sarasota County has been less strict than other Florida counties as far as their boat ramp restrictions. While various cities across Florida have closed public boat ramps to enforce social distancing, Sarasota County’s boat ramps remain open. During a normal spring season, it would be difficult to find parking at Snook Haven Park. But now, parking spots remain vacant as people get on their boats and venture onto the Myakka River.  As COVID-19 continues to spread, it’s more important than ever for people to get out of their homes, exercise, and engage in physical activity that relieves stress. Because of this, it's great that some hiking trails, boating ramps, and kayak launch pads are still available for use. However, it’s still extremely important to continue social distancing.  Despite Sarasota County’s boat ramps being open, the city of Sarasota has closed its boat ramps. Stay tuned for further updates!...

Summer isn’t here quite yet, but warmer days definitely are! Boating is a great way to get some fresh air outdoors while social distancing. Here are eight essential items to pack for your next day on the boat. 1. SnacksFuel up with your favorite snacks like fruit, granola, pretzels and hummus, cashews, and protein bars. Boating can be tiring, especially when you spend all day in the sun. For this reason, snacks are vital.  2. CoolerYou need plenty of water to accompany your snacks and keep you hydrated. Store your beverages in a cooler. If you want to go the extra mile, store your sunscreen in the cooler, too! It will feel extra refreshing when you apply sunscreen after spending time in the hot sun. 3. TowelsYou can never pack too many towels. Bring a few extras so you can sit on the beach, dry off after you swim, and clean off your kids before get into...

Since COVID-19 is now spreading around the country, public boat ramps in Manatee County are now closed. These closures went into effect on Thursday, March 26th. Commercial fishermen with a Florida Saltwater Products License and a U.S. Coast Guard Six-Pack Captain’s License can still access the Coquina South Boat Ramp in Bradenton and the Riverside Boat Ramp in Palmetto. However, charter fisherman are currently restricted from using public boat ramps in Manatee County. The Coquina South Boat Ramp in Bradenton is open daily from 7am to 7pm. The Riverside Boat Ramp in Palmetto is open daily from 7am to 3pm. The Riverside Boat Ramp consists of two ramps located side by side. One side is blocked by large concrete blocks. After 3pm, a large city vehicle is parked to block the other side for the rest of the day. Law enforcement officials are stationed at both ramps to check licenses, names, and vessel numbers.  The public boat ramp closing does not restrict...

Social distancing is becoming the norm for all of us as COVID-19 spreads. So, how do you continue to get out on the water while also keeping yourself and others safe? Kayaking is a great option! Here are a few ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you while kayaking during these uncertain times. Explore new locations…Now is the perfect time to explore isolated, less-popular areas. Stay away from dense, crowded regions of the water. The 6ft rule still applies, even on the water, so if you stumble upon a group of people, turn around and head in the opposite direction.  If you want to kayak with friends…You can still go kayaking with friends and family, as long as you keep a safe distance from each other and avoid crowds. This is a great way to connect while staying healthy. Here are a few tips for group kayaking. Keep the group small. Stick to 2 or 3 people, max....