The weather in Northeast Florida is heating up and area boaters are hitting the water like they do every year.
But safety is a big concern at the beginning of boating season — which unofficially started on Memorial Day — and there are several ways to prepare for a summer on the water.
“A lot of folks are just pulling their boats out for the first time this year so the best thing to do is make sure that it’s completely water-worthy before you get out there,” said Karen Parker, spokeswoman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.