Boats, sunshine, and a blue-sky forecast can hide the most dangerous risk on the water: what you don’t know. We sit down with the Coast Guard Auxiliary from Fort Myers Beach to explore how prevention, education, and a few smart habits do more to save lives than any siren or spotlight. From slow speed zones that protect manatees to free vessel safety checks that catch expired gear before it matters, this guide pulls back the curtain on what keeps families safe and search-and-rescue calls down.

We walk through the realities of boating in Southwest Florida—tides, currents, and intercoastal markers that differ from “up north.” If you rent a vacation home with a boat or bring guests who’ve never read a channel marker, this conversation is your shortcut to safer trips. You’ll hear about the “Suddenly in Command” seminar that prepares non-captains to call for help and take the helm, why self-attesting your safety gear isn’t enough, and how a simple life jacket choice can be the difference between a scare and a tragedy. We also share hard-won lessons from real incidents, the ego traps that snag experienced skippers, and the practical culture shifts that make safety automatic—even on hot, crowded days.

Behind the scenes, the Auxiliary backfills critical roles at the Fort Myers Beach station: radio watch, maintenance, even galley support when crews are stretched. Their message is simple and urgent—set your expectation to “have fun and come back,” then build the plan to match. Ready to reduce risk, protect wildlife, and boat with confidence in Fort Myers Beach? Hit play, then sign up for a class or book a free vessel safety check. If this helped you, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with the boater who needs a nudge toward safer habits.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Flotilla 91 D7
Daniel Eaton-Public Affairs Officer
Dave Massey-Public Education Officer,
For Search and Rescue Emergencies
Call 239-463-5754 or 911. On the water VHF Channel 16
For non-emergency questions call the Auxiliary 239-690-6780.
www.aux91fmb.org

Ft Myers Beach-Good Neighbor
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