How to Protect Manatees When Boating

Manatees are among Florida’s best-loved animals. While they are no longer endangered, they are still considered “threatened,” so if you enjoy boating or jet skiing, it’s important to take steps to protect them.

Look, but don’t touch

Feel free to look at the manatees from a distance, but by no means get up too close to them to try and touch them. Doing so may frighten them, so stay at least 50 feet away from them and keep your hands to yourself.

Wear polarized sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses can reduce glare from sunlight bouncing off the surface of the water. As a result, they help you see better when you’re out on the water, which in turn helps you to better notice any manatees lurking about.

Avoid seagrass beds and shallow areas

Seagrass beds or any kind of shallow area are where manatees often found, so do your best to avoid these areas as much as possible in order to prevent yourself from injuring any hidden manatees.

At Woody’s Watersports, we care about safety—yours and that of our local wildlife. Check us out to rent a jet ski on your next trip to Madeira Beach!