People who hope to beat the summer heat by swimming, floating or boating on rivers in King County must wear a life vest or face an $86  fine.

A divided County Council on Monday passed a personal flotation device ordinance by a five to four vote. Opponents said it was an intrusive move by "big government."

"This Council sometimes thinks it's everybody's mom," said Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, who voted "no."

Supporters said the new rule will save lives.

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/King-Co-requires-life-vests-for-swimmers-1432255.php#ixzz1PxozNSNK

Media contact:
11-019
Susan Kavanaugh (360) 902-8847Lynn Satre (360) 902-8837
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388

OLYMPIA – May 18, 2011 – Governor Christine Gregoire has declared May 21-27 Safe Boating Week in Washington; and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission reminds all water sport enthusiasts of the importance of safe boating and officially launches the “Wear It Washington!” campaign.

Washington’s Safe Boating Week runs concurrent with National Safe Boating Week, coordinated each year by the National Safe Boating Council and its boating safety partners across the U.S. and Canada to promote the importance of recreation boaters to wear life jacket. This year’s theme, “Wear It!” promotes life jacket wear on boats for adults and children and provides education about new styles of life jackets available, including inflatable ones.

“Wear It Washington!” is a simple reminder to encourage everyone, both adults and children, to stay safe on the water by always wearing a life jacket,” said Chelan County Sergeant Randy Foltz. “We are pleased to bring this important message to the thousands of water enthusiasts who will be on Washington’s waterways this summer.”

“Wear It Washington!” events will be held at various locations across Washington throughout the summer. The public is invited to attend and learn more about safe boating and life jackets as well as meet boating safety advocates and the people behind the “Wear It!” campaign.

“Each year, 400 to 500 lives could have been saved if boaters had worn their life jackets,” said Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. "New life jackets on the market today are comfortable, lightweight and perfect for any boating activity. Don’t just carry a life jacket – wear it!”

The most recent statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that 84 percent of boaters who drowned in 2009 were NOT wearing life jackets.

During the State Parks Boating Program’s “Wear It Washington!” campaign this summer, special teams of volunteers, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, marine law enforcement officers, local marina personnel and other organizations will be at “Wear It Washington!” events demonstrating the latest designs in life jackets and asking boaters to take the “Wear It!” pledge.

The “Wear It Washington!” campaign is funded by a grant from the Sports Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The campaign schedule can be found online at www.WearItWashington.com.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Washington State Parks is now on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.

http://washington.state-parks.co/boaters-enjoying-sunshine-should-remember-life-jackets/

EVERETT -- Two forlorn, disintegrating boats poke through the surface of Deadwater Slough, looking contorted in their watery graves.

They're the ones you've probably seen below if you've looked to your right while driving U.S. 2 west into Everett.

via www.heraldnet.com

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Deputy Todd Baker, Clark County Sheriff's Office, 360-397-2106

Vancouver, WA - March 16th, 2011, With the opening of boating season a couple months away, the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Parks Boating Programs remind boaters about the importance of taking a boating safety course and the requirement to obtain a Boater Education Card. 

Washington boaters are required by law to take and pass a boater education course and have their education card with them when operating a boat of 15 horsepower or more in Washington waterways. In 2011, boater's ages 12 to 35 years are required to carry the card when operating a boat. Soon the law will also apply to older boaters. The card requirement is phased in through 2014. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt. Washington and Oregon have a reciprocity agreement in place which allows either card to be valid in their state. 

Spring is a good time for boaters to prepare for a safe and fun boating season. Boaters that have safety training are less likely to end up in accidents on the water. To meet the new education requirements, boaters can take approved courses in a classroom, online or by taking a home study course. Once the course is passed, boaters pay $10 for the card, which is good for life. The majority of in-person classes are offered between the fall and spring months, with fewer classes available during summer months. Course topics include basic boat handling, safety equipment, navigational rules and boating emergencies. 

Thousands of people enjoy boating on Washington's waters each year. Unfortunately, Washington State is among the leaders in boating fatalities. From 2001 through 2010, 259 people died in boating accidents in Washington State. Hundreds more were seriously injured. "Boater safety education is part of the strategy for reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on our waterways" said Deputy Todd Baker of the Clark County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Unit.
"By taking a boating safety course, you help ensure our waterways are the safest they can be. Not to mention, completing a course may reduce your boat insurance by 10 – 15 percent. Be sure to ask your insurance agent" said Baker.

For more information about Washington’s Mandatory Boater Education requirement or when the next course may be offered within Vancouver, please call the Sheriff’s Marine Unit, (360) 397-2106 or go online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating.