Boating accidents, fatalities up in Fla. from last year

Officials are calling it a dangerous and deadly year for boaters after several accidents have resulted in fatalities this year.

The latest boating fatality occurred when commercial crabber Phillip Johnson's boat smashed into the bridge connecting 4th Street North and Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg on Friday.

Johnson had just returned to crabbing after a brief retirement because of health problems, but his wife, Cindy Johnson, says he just couldn't stay away from the outdoors he spent his life in.

"He died doing what he loved to do," she said. "If he had a choice, that's it."

The cause of Johnson's death is still under investigation, but Cindy believes her husband either passed out because of his diabetes or had a heart attack.

An autopsy was performed on Saturday, but many times the cause is a lot easier to determine for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers.

"Most people don't drive a vessel everyday," Baryl Martin of the FWC said. "So they're not as cognizant of other vessels in their proximity."

Martin says it's much easier to lose awareness while driving a boat than while driving a car.

"When you're on a boat, you're relaxed," he said. "You're not paying as much attention and you're enjoying yourself.'

Around the state, boating accidents are up so far this year and officials warn even a lifetime of experience doesn't make the water any safer.

So far, FWC officials say there have been 50 deadly boating accidents this year, which is four more than last year.

In the past three months, there have been three drownings attributed to people jumping off of moving boats.

FWC says many fatalities can be avoided by simply wearing a life jacket.