• 23
  • August
    2010

In this busy boating season, it is important for Californians to be smart and safe when on the water. New state laws in effect for 2010 aim to improve boating safety, especially for younger boaters.

According to the California Department of Boating and Waterways, 67 percent of 2009 boating accidents were attributed to drowning. Eighty-four percent of those drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. California's updated requirements for life jackets hopefully will reduce the number of these tragic deaths.

California boating law now requires:

  • All children under age 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
  • Those on jet skis and personal watercraft and anyone towed behind a vessel must wear a life jacket.
  • For all kayaks and canoes, as well as boats less than 16 feet long, a life jacket for each person must be on board and easily accessible.
  • Boats over 16 feet long must have a life jacket for each passenger as well as a rescue floatation device made for throwing, such as a ring or cushion.

It is especially important to be cautious when supervising children in, on or near the water. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five fatal drowning victims are children under the age of 15. In addition, for every child who dies from drowning, another four children need emergency room care for non-fatal submersion incidents.

To keep children safe while boating, follow these water safety tips:

  • Always wear a life jacket.
  • Make sure the life jacket is the correct size and does not ride up when the child's arms are raised overhead.
  • Take swimming lessons taught by a certified instructor.
  • Learn CPR in case of emergencies.

California's lakes, rivers and the ocean are a great source of recreation and exercise, but they also present safety risks. By obeying life-jacket laws and being extra careful when children are near water, you can avoid accidents.