Reminder for National Safe Boating Week May 17-23: Life jackets save lives

National Safe Boating Week is May 17-23, and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is reminding all boaters to remember some important safety tips this boating season.

One of the best ways for boaters to stay safe is to always wear a life jacket while on the water.

A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets.  VDGIF wants boaters to “Wear It” - make a commitment to wear their life jackets at all times while on the water.

While getting ready for the boating season, boat owners need to make sure they have life jackets in good condition that fit every occupant of the boat, including children. 

There are numerous life jacket designs that appeal to youngsters, and by getting them involved in the selection they are more likely to wear one without a fuss. 

Inflatable life jackets make it easy for adults to “Wear It” while enjoying their time on the water and being a good role model for young people on their boats.

Virginia’s Boating Safety Education Compliance Requirement states boaters must take a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and accepted by VDGIF. 

This requirement is being phased in over the next several years and applies to all Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators and operators of boats with motors of 10hp and greater.

Currently, all PWC operators age 14 and older and motorboat operators 40 and younger must complete a boating safety education course and have proof of that in their possession while operating a boat or PWC. 

The next important date is July 1, 2014, when all motorboat operators age 45 and younger will be required to complete a boating safety education course and carry proof of that in their possession while operating the vessel.

To learn more about boating laws in Virginia and about boating safety education courses, go to http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating .