Matthew Mincone | February 13, 2025 | Personal Injury
The Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade takes place annually on the Saturday before Christmas Day. It’s one of the most anticipated holiday events in the area, with over one hundred brightly decorated boats parading along the Hillsborough River.
In the midst of all the festivities, no one wants to worry about injuries or accidents, but unfortunately, safety is a concern that applies even during the most joyous of holiday events. With that in mind, below are important tips that spectators, such as yourself, should always keep in mind.
5 Safety Tips For Avoiding Injury At The Tampa Lighted Boat Parade
Holiday events are always exciting, and the Tampa Lighted Boat Parade (along with three more lighted boat parades in the Tampa area) is no exception. The following safety tips are helpful no matter which one you attend:
1. Make A Plan
Seeing as the Tampa Lighted Boat Parade travels a 7.5-mile route through the downtown area, there are many different places to view the action. It may be tempting to be spontaneous and choose your own best viewing spot once you get downtown, but a little planning can improve your safety overall.
To start, check a map of the downtown area to confirm parking. You don’t want to end up in a poorly lit parking lot or end up too far away from your preferred viewing area to walk there safely.
2. Dress Comfortably
Tampa’s weather is mild even in the coldest winter months, but even 55 degrees can be chilly when you’re outside for an hour or more. Winds blowing off the Hillsborough River, as well as the extra humidity, can make it feel even colder.
Wear warm layers to maintain comfort, and make sure to put on some good walking shoes, too; a slip and fall accident could easily ruin your evening.
3. Check In With Friends
It’s easy to get separated from others in your group when you’re enjoying a crowded outdoor event. If you decide to break off and go solo, make sure your friends know where you’re headed. Designate a meeting place so everyone can head home together, and don’t forget your cell phone. Not only can you use it to check in, but you might need a GPS map or an Uber if you decide to have a cocktail or two.
4. Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings
The beauty of a lighted boat parade can be mesmerizing. But between enjoying the event, taking photos, and potentially keeping your eyes on a child or two, it’s easy to forget that strangers surround you.
As you wander the parade route, keep track of street names. You don’t want to realize you’ve wandered too far away from your car at the end of the night. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the people around you and designate someone to perform frequent head counts if you’re with a large group.
5. Bring Water
Anyone can start to feel out of sorts when they become dehydrated. While there are a variety of vendors and places to purchase a bottle of juice or water along the path of the boat parade, finding a drink when you really need one can sometimes be a challenge.
You don’t need to carry a full cooler, but one or two bottles of water could be enough to keep everyone going strong until it’s time for an “official” refreshment break.
Enjoy All Your Holiday Events Safely
Most safety tips boil down to using good sense: Dress appropriately, know where you’re going, and watch out for strangers. Understandably, even the most level-headed adult can misplace their sense of reason in the excitement of holiday fun. Taking a moment to put a few practical safety measures in place will allow everyone to focus on fun without worry.
Contact the Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida and New York. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
