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Life Jacket Law
Water can be deceiving and the current can be deadly. Statistics show that wearing a life jacket can save your life and the ones you love.
Local Sheriff's departments and some municipal police departments have life jacket loaner programs. If you have forgotten your life jacket, contact them for a loaner jacket.
Did You Know?
- That buoyant cushions no longer satisfy the legal requirements for personal flotation devices on boats under 16 feet long?
- That life jackets or life vests - Type I, II or III Personal Floatation Devices - are now required for every occupant of these smaller craft?
- That, in addition to ALL vessels under 16 feet, the regulation applies to canoes and kayaks of ANY length?
- That this state regulation was changed in response to changes made by the United States Coast Guard?
- That state law requires life jackets be Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition and of proper size for the wearer?
- That half of all recreational boating deaths in Washington result from capsizing or falls overboard from boats under 16 feet long?
- That WEARING a Personal Flotation Device could have saved most of those lives AND MIGHT SAVE YOURS?
LIFE JACKETS (PFD'S) - The choice is yours
- Get and wear a Coast Guard approved PFD that fits well. Make sure it is the proper type and approved for your specific usage. Actually put it on, adjust it and test it in the water so you'll know how it will feel when needed. Do the same for family members - especially children. Knowing what to expect in the water can prevent panic. Non-swimmers should wear a PFD on any small boat.
- Never leave PFD's sealed in plastic wrapping. They must be ready to put on fast.
- Whenever water conditions or weather cause concern, have everyone aboard immediately put on a PFD.
- If you fall in the water, stay with the boat.
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