Boating Safety : Minding the Law on the Valley’s Waterways

So far this year, there have been three deaths due to boating accidents on Pyramid Lake, a popular recreational spot near Santa Clarita. Last year, there were only four boating deaths and 23 injuries in all of Los Angeles County. Officials say that Pyramid Lake is not especially hazardous--boating accidents occur on waterways anywhere.

But accidents can often be avoided, water safety officials say, by following basic regulations and properly equipping your boat.

In four states, boating safety classes are mandatory. Recently, Connecticut became the fifth state in the country requiring safety class certification. In California, however, classes are recommended but not required.

Just as in driving, boating and drinking don’t mix. According to Coast Guard statistics, 90% of boating accidents are attributed to alcohol. In California, the alcohol blood limit for boaters is .08%. The Coast Guard can fine offenders up to $1,000 for boating while intoxicated.

It’s The Law

In California, boaters must be at least 13 years old to operate:

* A motorboat engaged in towing a person on water skis.

* A motorboat designed to carry only one person.

* A motorboat propelled by machinery having an aggregate of more than 10 horsepower without the supervision of a person 18.

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* Water vessels must not exceed 5 m.p.h. when within 100 feet of a swimmer (but not a water-skier) and within 200 feet of a beach, swimming float, diving platform or landing.

* Do not overload your boat.

* Keep keys on a float.

* Carry extra gas.

* Carry flares and other signaling devices.

* Know where you are. Learn to navigate and read charts.

* Carry at least one hand-held radio. Call mayday only in an emergency.

* Carry a life jacket for each person on board.

* Do not ride on the bow.

* Don’t drink while operating a boat.

* Know how to use all your equipment.

If You Capsize

* Remain calm and bend your knees. Do not remove your clothes--they will help keep you afloat.

* Outboard-powered vessels built after 1978 should float. The Coast Guard recommends you either get back in the boat or on top of it.

Personal Watercraft

Separate laws govern PWCs, such as Jet Skis and Sea Doos:

* No one under 12 may operate them.

* Each person on board must wear a life jacket.

* Vehicles must be registered.

* Vehicles must not emit noise at levels higher than 82 decibels measured at a distance of 50 feet.

* All vessels must abide with designated “no wake” zones.

* No operation of PWCs after dark.

* A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher must be on board.

For More Information

Call the Coast Guard Auxiliary about its boating courses, at (800) 869-7245. To get a free courtesy marine examination, call the boating safety hot line at (800) 368-5647.

Sources: California Boating and Waterways Department; U.S. Coast Guard; Los Angeles County Lifeguard Department.

Researched by MAKI BECKER / For The Times