 California boaters enjoy a fun and safe day on the water while wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Photo from the Division of Boating and Waterways.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As Labor Day weekend approaches, California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding boaters to prioritize safety while enjoying the state’s beautiful waterways. This holiday weekend is a popular time for recreational boating, and DBW encourages everyone to follow best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
“Safety should always be a top priority when boating,” said Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “Remember to wear your life jacket, observe waterway rules, and be mindful of other boaters. Responsible boating practices help ensure everyone can enjoy their Labor Day weekend while staying safe and having fun.”
Follow these safety tips for a safe and responsible time on the water:
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Wear Your Life Jacket: Ensure you have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket of the appropriate size and activity type for each person onboard. Children under 13 are required to wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a moving vessel. According to the U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating statistics, in 2023, 87 percent of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets.
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Get Your California Boater Card: Complete an approved safe boating course and obtain your California Boater Card. California law requires boaters 60 and younger to carry a California Boater Card. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all operators of motorized vessels regardless of age will be required to obtain and carry one while on the water. This includes personal watercraft (PWC), vessels with trolling motors, and sailboats with motors. Visit CaliforniaBoaterCard.com for more information.
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Be Prepared: Before heading out on the water, check weather conditions, file a float plan, and ensure you have the proper safety equipment, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and sound signaling device. Refer to the ABCs of California Boating for more information on required equipment and other safety tips.
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Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times. In California, it is against the law to operate a boat or water ski with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Officers may also arrest boaters with a BAC of less than 0.08 percent if conditions are deemed unsafe. BUI convictions can result in up to six months in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000. Two convictions within seven years could add a jail term of up to one year. Boaters caught operating under the influence may also have their voyage terminated and their vessel impounded.
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Observe Waterway Rules: Follow all posted signage and be aware of local regulations and boating rules.
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Practice Responsible Boating: Maintain a safe speed, be aware of your surroundings, and respect other boaters.
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Help Keep Our Waterways Clean: Implement clean and green boating practices such as always carrying oil absorbents on board and bringing everything back that you took out on the water including food, garbage, and fishing line.
For more information on safe and responsible boating practices, please visit the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways website at www.dbw.parks.ca.gov.
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