May 28, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that MCSO K9 Arco (who recently retired) wants to remind everyone enjoying the holiday weekend at Bass Lake that properly fitting life jackets are not only critical for safely recreating on the water, but they are also required by law.
Under California law, every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity.
For a boat less than 16 feet long, and all canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddle boards (SUP) of any length, you are required to:
- Everyone on board a personal watercraft (popularly known as “jet skis”) and anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- A Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be carried for each person on board. If stored, these life jackets must be readily available (easy to get to), and you must show passengers the location of life jackets and other safety equipment.
For a boat 16 feet or longer, you must carry for each passenger:
- The same requirements as above and one immediately accessible (easy-to-reach) Type IV device designed for throwing – such as a ring, cushion, or horseshoe buoy for each boat.
Our primary focus is the safety of our residents and visitors- we urge everyone to take these life saving measures as seriously as we do.
For more information about life jackets, please visit http://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28751.
Source & photo: Madera County Sheriff's Office
