Boating season is getting started with Safe Boating Week beginning Saturday and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has some reminders for eager boaters.
LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck said the law requires you must have enough personal flotation devices for everyone aboard. Even if you think you are a strong swimmer that PFD can save your life.
“You can get can get ejected out of the boat and hit your head, you can be rendered unconscious, you can break your leg, break your arm, you can be put in a situation where you are not going to be able to swim and that life jacket will keep you afloat,” said Einck.
Anyone 16 or younger must wear their flotation device at all times in vessels shorter than 26 feet. If you were born on or before January 1st, 1984 you need to complete a NASBLA boating education course before piloting.
Einck said another thing to note is that if you get caught drinking and driving your boat you will face the same penalties that you’d face if you got caught driving drunk on the road.
“Have a sober operator, have a guy who is going to have his wits at all times because you need someone who is going to prepared and aware while they are driving that boat,” said Einck.
Louisiana saw 24 boating fatalities last year and nine so far this year.
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