Fishing News
Officer does duty to keep recreational boating safe - Education crucial part of his patrol
By Rich Tucker, [email protected]
On a perfect summer day with brilliant sunshine, a gentle breeze and calm water, the only thing keeping many Jacksonville boaters from tearing down the St. Johns River at full speed is the sight of Chris Jones.
As an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Jones joins Coast Guard and Sheriff's Office personnel to keep an eye on the thousands of recreational boaters who each day motor up and down the river.
By midday on the Fourth of July, the river already was choked by pleasure boaters seeking a strip of open water for skiing or a good spot to see the evening fireworks display.
Jones trolled between the Acosta Bridge and the Dames Point bridge like highway patrol for the water, making sure boaters had the correct safety equipment and were operating their crafts in a responsible way.
He doesn't need a reason to stop a boat for a safety check. Jones can approach any boater and ask if he has a working fire extinguisher and enough life jackets for everyone aboard.
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