National Safe Boating Week May 22-28, 2010

Time to Remember Life Jackets Save Lives

RICHMOND, Va., May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Safe Boating Week is May 22-28, this year, making right now the time to remind boaters to be safe on the water. First and foremost, boaters need to think about life jackets and plan to wear them. A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is asking boaters to make a commitment to wear their life jackets at all times while on the water.

It is the law in Virginia that there must be one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket of the appropriate size for each person on the boat. In addition, no person may operate a recreational vessel on federal waters with any child under age 13 on the vessel unless each child is either wearing an appropriate life jacket approved by the USCG or below deck or in an enclosed cabin. This applies to waters in which the USCG has enforcement jurisdiction, and in Virginia that includes the Chesapeake Bay, Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Gaston, Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake), Claytor Lake, Lake Moomaw, and other inland waters that are considered navigable.

In getting ready for the boating season, boat owners need to make sure they have life jackets in good condition that fit every occupant of the boat, including kids. There are numerous life jacket designs that appeal to youngsters, and by getting them involved in the selection they are more likely to wear them without a fuss.

Adults need to be role models for young people on their boats and wear their life jackets, too. Modern life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive, and more wearable than styles of previous years. New inflatable designs are light weight and far less bulky than older styles.

It is recommended for anyone who operates a boat to complete a boating safety education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and accepted by VDGIF. Virginia's new Boating Safety Education Compliance Regulation is being phased in over the next several years. The second compliance date is July 1, this year, when PWC operators age 35 and younger will be required to complete a boating safety education course AND have proof of that in their possession while operating a personal watercraft commonly referred to as a "jet ski."

If you have previously taken a boating safety education course and have your card, you are in compliance with the new regulation. There is no need to "register" with the Department to show you are in compliance, simply carry your course completion card or certificate on board.

Our optional Lifetime Virginia Boating Safety Education Card is available to those who meet the boating safety education requirement. This durable, drivers license styled card is available for a fee of $10.00. You can get an application by visiting our website: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/lifetime-boater-card/

To learn more about boating laws in Virginia and about boating education courses, visit the Department's website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating.

Remember, everyone wants to have a safe, enjoyable day on the water. Do your part by wearing your life jacket and taking a boating safety education class.

SOURCE Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries