The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging boaters to stay safe on the water.

The spot, which began airing on local broadcast and cable television this week, includes reminders to operate at safe speeds, have proper safety equipment and avoid alcohol while at the helm of a boat.

The PSA was produced as an educational component of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office 2009-2013 Strategic Plan and the outlined goal to keep area waterways safe. Production and placement of the PSA was coordinated by Community Service Media and paid for by a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

This is the eighth Public Service Announcement created for radio or television during Sheriff Tom Knight’s administration. Topics include bicycle safety, distracted driving, protecting seniors from fraud and the dangers of pharmaceutical diversion.

To review all Sheriff’s Office TV and radio spots, visit www.SarasotaSheriff.org and under the News tab choose PSAs. The videos can also be viewed on the Sheriff's Office YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/SarasotaSheriff and under Featured Playlists choose PSAs.