Christopher Pulichene, a marine tourism professional in the Florida Keys, has launched the "Respect the Water" Personal Pledge, a public commitment to promote safer boating, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful outdoor recreation. The pledge comes amid rising interest in water-based activities and concerns over boating safety and ocean pollution.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 3,844 recreational boating incidents and 564 boating fatalities in the United States in 2023, with the majority of fatal accidents involving operators without boating safety instruction. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean annually. Florida's coastal tourism industry supports over one million jobs, making healthy waterways critical to the state's economy.
Pulichene, who has worked in watersports operations on cruise ships and now in the Florida Keys, said the pledge reflects lessons learned from years of guest-focused service. "I've learned that taking an extra few minutes to explain something properly saves time later," he said. "When people understand how everything works, they feel more comfortable and enjoy themselves more." He emphasized that good experiences start with preparation, not rushing. "People aren't just paying to use a boat. They're paying for peace of mind, reliable equipment, and helpful guidance."
The pledge outlines seven specific actions: conducting a complete safety check before every trip; taking extra time to explain safety procedures; leaving every beach, dock, or shoreline cleaner than found; encouraging guests to respect weather conditions; continuing education on boating safety and environmental stewardship; promoting responsible wildlife viewing by keeping a safe distance; and leading by example through calm communication and respect.
Pulichene hopes the initiative will help operators teach responsible boating while creating memorable experiences. "Helping people enjoy the water today also means protecting it for future visitors," he said. A do-it-yourself toolkit is available for anyone to adopt safer habits, including checking weather forecasts, inspecting life jackets, picking up litter, and learning one new safety rule each week. A 30-day progress tracker guides users through weekly goals, from completing safety checks to sharing lessons with others.
The pledge is an individual initiative aimed at encouraging practical habits that protect waterways and improve safety. For the full interview, visit the website here.
