The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone to stay safe while recreating on the water the season. Boating safety education is part of the mission of the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Boating Safety Unit. The 2018 boating season is upon us with warmer weather forecasted. The nice weather will draw citizens outside to do water related activities.
Both agencies have free safety information available for the boating community at the Shasta County Sheriff’s Boating Safety Unit Office at Bridge Bay Marina or the main Sheriff’s Office building at 300 Park Marina Circle or by visiting DBW’s website www.dbw.ca.gov. The free safety information available is the ABCs of Boating booklet, Boating Under the Influence cards, Carbon Monoxide brochures, water safety activity books for kids and a Course for Safe Boating.
The Course for Safe Boating, is a home study course and is one of several courses that meets the education requirement for the new California Boater Card program that went into effect January, 1 2018. Now all boat operators between the ages of 16-20 years of age will be required to have a Boaters Education Card in their possession while operating a vessel on the waterways in California. For more information on the new mandatory boater education requirement visit www.californiaboatercard.com.
As you begin the boating season it is always a good idea to do a pre-season inspection of your boat and safety equipment. To include the engine, oil, coolant, fuel and batteries. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens to make sure they have the proper safety equipment on their vessels.
There should be one United States Coast Guard approved life jacket readily accessible for every person on the vessel. The life jacket must be serviceable and the proper size and fit for the intended wearer. There should not be any rips, tares, holes, fading, oil stains and the Coast Guard label must be legible. This includes paddle craft users.
All children under the age of 13 years must wear a life jacket on board a vessel, which is not anchored, moored or beached.
There needs to be one serviceable United States Coast Guard approved type IV throw able floatation device immediately accessible on every recreational vessel over 16 feet. There should not be any rips, tares, holes, fading, oil stains and the Coast Guard label must be legible.
A serviceable United States Coast Guard approved marine type fire extinguisher shall be on all vessels required to carry them. *There has been a recall on Kidde brand fire extinguishers* Double check the fire extinguishers in your boat. For more information, visit https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/kidde-recalls-fire-extinguishers-with-plastic-handles-due-to-failure-to-discharge-and.
A sounding device is required on all vessels.
A ski flag is to be displayed whenever a skier is down, a rope or water ski or other water sport device is in the water. The ski flag shall not be displayed any other time.
Proper navigation lights are required, no water skiing and no PWC operations from sunset to sunrise. There is a 15 MPH speed limit on Lake Shasta from ½ hour after sunset to a ½ hour before sunrise.
Children between the ages of 12-15 years may operate a vessel, when someone who is 18 years or older is attentive and supervising the operation. Be aware of debris and land just under the water’s surface and maintain a proper look out at all times.
Beware of carbon monoxide around vessels. Make sure to shut off the engine while stopped and/or swimming.
Do not drink and drive and maintain a sober driver.
Be aware of the speed limit restrictions on the Sacramento River in the City of Redding. Redding Municipal Code 10.26.40
https://library.municode.com/ca/redding/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT10PUPEMOWE_VOFAGPR_CH10.26SARIARRE_10.26.040SP.
The lake water may feel warm, but the river water is still very cold. Citizens should take caution when entering the water. Excessive amounts of time in the cold water could lead to medical issues. The Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to wear a life jacket when on or near the water. The Sheriff’s Office hopes everyone has an enjoyable, fun and safe boating season.
More information on safe boating can be found at BoatCalifornia.com.
