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Boating Safety Rules: What You Need to Know Now
12 Aug
Summary
- Check captain's license and vessel inspection sticker.
- Ensure adequate and accessible life jackets for all passengers.
- Children under 12 must wear life jackets on vessels under 65 feet.
In the wake of a devastating boating accident, the U.S. Coast Guard is reinforcing essential boating safety regulations. Operators are urged to verify that the captain is properly licensed and that the vessel displays the correct inspection sticker, indicating it has been reviewed by the Coast Guard. Ensuring the boat's capacity is not exceeded and that sufficient life jackets, appropriate for all passengers, are readily available are critical steps.
New York state law requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket when a vessel of 65 feet or less is underway, unless it is a closed-cabin boat. The Coast Guard also advises against infants between 11 months and 4 months being on recreational vessels due to safety concerns. Failure to comply with these regulations, such as having improperly sized life jackets, can lead to fines reaching tens of thousands of dollars and the termination of the trip.
