News Release Archives - May 2009
May 18, 2009
Safe Boating Week Emphasizes Need for Life Jackets
National Safe Boating Week is a good time to remind water recreationists to wear a life jacket.
Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, said there’s no safety substitute for wearing a personal flotation device while recreating on public waters.
“The facts prove that failure to wear a PFD is the main reason people lose their lives in boating accidents,” Boldt said. “Consider that each year, about 700 people nationwide die in boating-related accidents. Nearly 70 percent are caused by drowning, and eight of 10 victims were not wearing a life jacket.”
Safe Boating Week, a public awareness campaign held annually in May, emphasizes the need for boaters to wears life jackets. North Dakota law requires Coast Guard approved PFDs in the following circumstances:
- On watercraft less than 16 feet in length, one wearable PFD must be on board for each person.
- Anyone being towed on water-skis, surfboard, or a similar device must wear a PFD.
- No person may operate or permit the operation of a personal watercraft without each person on board wearing a PFD.
- Watercraft of 16 feet or longer must have one wearable PFD for each person on board, and one throwable flotation device.
- On any vessel less than 27 feet in length, all persons 10 years of age or younger must wear a properly fastened, Coast Guard approved PFD.
Boaters are reminded to test life jackets for serviceability and fit. All straps and buckles must be intact and there should be no rips or tears in the fabric.
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