LTC 089-2016 Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Resolution: Use of PFDs by Children MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER _
NO. LTC # 089-2016 LETTER Tea COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Nhilip Levine and Members oil he City yommission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager ( r
DATE: February 29, 2016
•
SUBJECT: Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Resolution:
Use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) by children
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC) is to transmit a resolution adopted by
the Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) in its February 9, 2016
meeting. This resolution is a recommendation to the Commission regarding the Use of
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) by children. Discussion on the subject is reflected
below:
In keeping with the priority of maintaning.our children safe while boating, it is
our very strong recommendation that the state of Florida regulations
concerning the use of PFDs by children while boating be amended to conform
to those regulations promulgated by the federal government.
Current Florida rules require children under the age of six to wear United
States Coast Guard (USCG) approved PFDs on vessels less than 26' in
length while the vessel is underway. The federal regulations require that
children age 13 or under wear USCG approved PFDs while underway on all
vessels 65' or less.
The vast majority of boating safety organizations recognize the lifesaving
purpose of wearing PFDs while underway by all persons, regardless of age.
This recommendation is endorsed by the USCG and other responsible boating
organizations. There is presently a nationwide campaign to encourage the
entire boating public to get into the habit of wearing PFDs as indicated in the
literature in fishing and boating publications.
It is not desirable that the state of Florida (or any Florida municipality) be
construed as being less concerned about the safety of children, while boating,
than the federal government. Accordingly, it is our recommendation and
sincere hope that the state of Florida regulations concerning the use of PFDs
by children be amended to conform to the federal regulations.
The Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority resolution reads as follows:
The Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority made a motion to approve a
resolution for the state of Florida to rescind its current regulation on the use of
personal flotation devices (PFDs) by children and to allow federal regulation to
supersede.
Action: Motion for this resolution was made by Joel Aberbach, seconded by Dr. Ronald
Shane. (Vote: 10-1) Resolution passed.
Page 2
February 29, 2016
LTC: Resolution — Use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) by Children
The dissenting vote was made by Mr.-Robert Schwartz due to concerns regarding
additional regulati/ s and resources required for enforcement of these regulations.
JLM/SMT/HC/R ai'MAC/clr
C: Susanne M. Torriente, Assistant City Manager
Hernan Cardeno, Esq., Code Compliance Department Director
Robert Santos-Alborna, Code Compliance Assistant Department Director
George S. Castel!, Code Compliance Manager
Mercedes Carcasses, Code Compliance Administrator& MWPA Liaison
F:\CODE\$ALL\MARINE\Nlinutes\2016\LTCs\Use of Personal Flotation Devices by Children MWPA 02.09.2016.docx