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Consumer Concerns and Advice Recent UpdatesJuly 30, 2008 June 18, 2008 June 13, 2008 June 11, 2008 May 27, 2008 Archives
May, 2008 Web ResourcesChalat Hatten & Koupal PC
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Posted by: Linda Chalat
The NSBC reports there are more than 12 million recreational boats in the United States. That organization wants boaters to know that wearing a life jacket is the best way to prevent boating fatalities, because most boating fatalities are drownings. According to the Coast Guard, between 1995 and 2001, 210 children under the age of 13 died while boating; 121 of these deaths were from drowning. Now the Coast Guard has a new rule requiring that all children under age 13 wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets while aboard recreational vessels that are underway, except when the children are below deck or in an enclosed cabin. The Coast Guard's rule affects those states that do not have children's life jacket requirements established by statute or rule. For the remaining states, the rule recognizes and adopts the existing state regulation, even if it is less stringent than the Coast Guard rule. Penalties for a boat operator who fails to have all children under the age of 13 wear a life jacket are similar to those for failing to have life jackets on board. Penalties may be assessed up to a maximum of $1,100 for each violation. Just make sure to get a good fit. For children, have them try on PFDs in the store. Lift the shoulders of the PFD to make sure it doesn't lift up over their chins or ears. If there are more than three inches between your child's shoulders and the life jacket, try a smaller size. Don't forget to have your child test the PFD in shallow water so that you can adjust the straps for the best fit. |
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation. | |
The Coast Guard and consumer safety groups want people to become more comfortable with wearing PFDs. To help promote the use of life jackets while boating, the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in cooperation with the Coast Guard, are promoting a boating safety campaign for the fourth year in a row.