MAYPORT, FL -- The spring weather is drawing more boaters out on the water, and that includes the U.S. Coast Guard. Operation Safety Net begins this weekend.

Inspections this Friday, Saturday and Sunday will kick off a crackdown by Coast Guard officers on the water to make sure recreational vessels are properly equipped.

During a run on the St. Johns River Thursday morning, four out of five boaters stopped were not wearing life jackets.

"Spring has sprung. The weather's nicer. People are taking their boats out for the first time. In a lot of cases, people are just taking their boat on the water assuming it's ready to go. The Coast Guard is here to ensure it is ready to go," said Petty Officer Bobby Nash.

The law requires children twelve and under to wear a life jacket at all times. All other people aboard must have a life jacket within reach.

"If you're in an emergency and do not have a life jacket on-- it's a lot like trying to put a seatbelt on just before you get into a car accident," explains Petty Officer Nash.

"It's the same on the water. If something goes wrong, it's too late to grab a life jacket or get to one. That's why we recommend wearing one. It will save your life," he adds.

Proper equipment also includes a sound producing device (such as a whistle or horn), up-to-date registration, a functioning fire extinguisher, a throwable floatation device on deck, and a working communication radio.

"It's important that you have everything you need, so that when the Coast Guard does get your call, we're [on the way] to help you, but you can help yourself in the meantime," Nash said.

Out of the inspections Thursday morning, 66-year-old John Dent was the only boater who did not receive a violation warning.

Dent, who regularly fishes in his boat on the St. Johns, says he always wears a life jacket.

"I see [other people] with no life jackets on, lying on the bow of the boat. It's dangerous. The boat could hit something and over they'd go," Dent said.

He appreciates the Coast Guard's efforts to prevent accidents from happening.

"I don't mind at all. I know I've got good protection around me when I see them," Dent said.

Violations may result in a warning or citation.

Reference, with video: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=134688&catid=3