Safety training is now available in Clay County, provided by the Clay County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit. Each class consists of two evening meetings for a total of eight (8) hours. Enrollment is handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and to enroll in a boating safety class, contact Deputy Chris Castelli at 591-4621.
With the number of registered
watercraft on the increase in our region, there is an essential
need for a full-time Marine Deputy. Deputy Chris Castelli,
a long time Clay County resident and boating enthusiast, has
held this position since the unit was created.
  
DID
YOU KNOW?
- Clay
County has more than 10,000 registered vessels.
- President
Grover Cleveland fished the St. Johns River and Black Creek,
too.
- There
are over 35 square miles of waterway in Clay County.
- The
Spanish originally named the Black Creek Rio Blanco--"White
River".
- Fort
Heileman was constructed near the forks of Black Creek in
1836.
- In
1906, a steamship ride from Green Cove Springs to Jacksonville
cost $.75.
BOATING
SAFETY TIPS:
- Make
a "float plan" before going out to let someone know where
you'll be and what time you'll return.
- Take
a cellular phone or a VHF radio with you so you can call
for assistance.
- Check
local weather reports prior to leaving the ramp so you know
what to expect.
- Inspect
your safety gear and replace any damaged or non-serviceable
equipment.
- Make
sure you have a properly fitting Personal Flotation Device
for every person on board.
- Discuss
emergency plans with passengers.
For
more information and to enroll in a boating safety class,
contact Deputy Chris
Castelli at 591-4621.
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