Christopher Pulichene, a marine tourism professional working in boat rentals and watersports operations in the Florida Keys, has announced the launch of the "Respect the Water" Personal Pledge, a public commitment designed to encourage safer boating, stronger environmental stewardship, and more thoughtful outdoor recreation.
The pledge comes as more people seek outdoor experiences on the water. 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 vast majority of fatal accidents involving operators who had not received boating safety instruction. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also estimates that millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, while Florida's coastal tourism industry supports well over one million jobs statewide, making healthy waterways essential to both local communities and visitors.
For Pulichene, the pledge reflects lessons learned through years of working in guest-focused watersports operations, first aboard cruise ships throughout the Caribbean and now in the Florida Keys. "I've learned that taking an extra few minutes to explain something properly saves time later," said Pulichene. "When people understand how everything works, they feel more comfortable and enjoy themselves more." He believes that good experiences begin with preparation rather than rushing onto the water. "People aren't just paying to use a boat," he said. "They're paying for peace of mind, reliable equipment, and helpful guidance."
Pulichene also believes safety and hospitality should never compete with one another. "Safety always comes first," he said. "Sometimes the best recommendation is choosing an activity that better matches someone's experience level or today's weather conditions." He hopes more people will recognize that small daily choices have lasting effects. "I think operators have an opportunity to teach responsible boating while creating memorable trips," Pulichene said. "Helping people enjoy the water today also means protecting it for future visitors."
The Respect the Water Personal Pledge includes seven specific actions: conduct a complete safety check before every trip; take extra time to explain safety procedures; leave every beach, dock, or shoreline cleaner than found; encourage guests to respect weather conditions; continue learning about boating safety and environmental stewardship; promote responsible wildlife viewing; and lead by example through calm communication and patience.
Current data underscores why these habits matter. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 3,844 recreational boating accidents in 2023, with about 75% of fatalities involving operators without boating safety instruction. NOAA reports millions of tons of plastic pollution reaching the ocean annually, threatening marine ecosystems. Florida's coastal tourism economy supports more than one million jobs, making healthy waterways critical.
Pulichene has also provided a "Do It Yourself Toolkit" with simple actions anyone can take, such as checking weather forecasts, inspecting life jackets, picking up litter, and learning one new boating safety rule each week. A 30-day progress tracker encourages gradual habit formation. "Small actions repeated consistently can improve safety, protect waterways, and create better experiences for everyone," Pulichene said. To read the full interview, visit the website here.
