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WOODS HOLE, Mass.- The Rhode Island Boating Safety Forum, a boating safety advocacy group sponsored by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Rhode Island Harbormasters Association, and the Power Squadron, is preparing for the 2008 recreational boating season.
According to Rhode Island state law:
- All children under age 13 must wear a life jacket whenever they are aboard an underway, recreational vessel less than 65 feet long.
- All vessels are required to have sufficient, properly functioning life jackets onboard. They must be the right size for passengers, in good condition, Coast Guard approved, and there must be one for each person aboard. This law also applies to dinghies. Vessels 16 feet in length or more have an additional requirement to carry an approved type IV “throwable” Coast Guard approved flotation device, like a life ring.
- Personal Water Craft operators and passengers are required to wear a lifejacket.
- Anyone towed behind a vessel such as water skiers, tubers, wake boarders, or on other devices must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.
The Forum issues the following boating safety reminders:
- All Rhode Island state and local police agencies will be enforcing Boating Under the Influence laws. The legal limit is .08 percent.
- When operating a recreational vessel at night, the running lights must work and be displayed properly. Dinghies should have a lantern light that can be displayed if approached by another vessel.
- Stay alert when operating a recreational vessel. Rhode Island waters are very busy with all types of vessels, including large commercial vessels that may not readily see smaller boats.
- When operating in congested areas obey speed/wake signs and buoys, and watch your wake at all times. This will help prevent injuries and damage to docked boats. Remember this key of safe boating: You are responsible for your wake.
These and other important safety regulations are available in the 2008 edition of the Handbook of Rhode Island Boating Laws and Responsibilities published by the RI Department of Environmental Management and available at marinas, yacht clubs, marine supply stores and on the web at http://www.boat-ed.com/ri/handbook/index.htm
The Boating Safety Forum meets on the first Monday of each month to identify issues of importance to boaters and to discuss solutions. Forum includes representatives of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Office of Boating Safety, local yacht clubs and harbormasters, and regatta organizers, among others.
The Boating Safety Forum is open to the public. The Forum is particularly interested in hearing from representatives of the recreational and commercial fishing communities, marine related businesses, marina operators, and boat dealers.
Those interested in participating in the Rhode Island Boating Safety Forum should contact Paul Hitchen at phitchen@comcast.net or 508-674-6593.
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