Government Affairs State Boating Info California Boating News
California Boating News
April 7, 2011
Life Jacket Rule at Pine Flat Lake, California
Jumping off your boat for a swim in Pine Flat Lake, California without a life jacket? As of April 1, 2011, anyone found swimming more than 100 feet from shore without a life jacket – including boaters who routinely jump in to try to beat 100-degree-plus temperatures – could result in a $175 fine as part of the new life jacket regulations put in the place by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which manages the lake.
In addition to life jackets now being mandatory for all swimmers outside of designated swim areas, new USACE regulations say that US Coast Guard approved life jackets must be worn by:
- Everyone aboard all non-motorized vessels, regardless of length, at all times.
- Everyone aboard motorized vessels up to 16-feet in length, at all times.
- Everyone aboard motorized vessels 16-feet in length or larger when underway (except when powered by trolling motor or if you are inside a fully-enclosed cabin or the boat is stationary.)
Boaters are encouraged to share their thoughts about these requirements by sending emails to the Park Manager and their Members of Congress by going to
www.boatus.com/gov/action
For specific questions about boating issues or BoatUS Government Affairs, please e-mail the department at GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com
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