Boating Safety INFO

On September 21, 2022, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Destin held a joint press conference to debut the new Aqua Alert notification system. Aqua Alert is missing boater public alert notification system that was developed to aid in the search for missing/endangered boaters and kayakers.

• It is being launched as the result of a collaborative effort between the City of Destin, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners.
• Residents can download the OCSO’s Official app from the App Store and turn on the “Aqua Alert” notification.

GetTheCoast Article: https://www.getthecoast.com/aqua-alert-launches-in-okaloosa-to-aid-in-the-search-for-missing-or-endangered-boaters-and-kayakers/

Since April 1, 2021,  USCG requires operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet to use an Emergency Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) on federal waters. The lanyard-style device must be attached to the operator to immediately shut down the engine if they are displaced from the helm, preventing runaway boat incidents.  

• State & County cannot enforce at this time.  Only enforced Federally.
• for more information,check out: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-devices.php