Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Monday, March 31, 2003
For more information: Bill Shattuck, 773-4506

NEW LIFE JACKET RULE AFFECTS BOATERS WITH KIDS

PIERRE – Boaters with kids should note a new rule regarding youth wearing lifejackets when the boat in which they are riding is moving faster than a certain speed.

"New for the approaching boating season is a new rule that will require boat operators to ensure that every person on board under the age of six is wearing their Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever the boat is being operated at greater than ‘no wake’ speed, unless the child is inside a cabin or is below deck," said Game, Fish and Parks Boating Safety Specialist Bill Shattuck.

The U.S. Coast Guard collects boating accident statistics from every state and has found that up to 80 percent of the people who die each year in boating accidents would have survived had they been wearing a suitable life jacket.

"That is because most boating fatalities occur when a person falls overboard or the boat capsizes, " Shattuck noted, "so the person who loses their life enters the water in good shape, only to die from drowning or hypothermia before they can save themselves or be rescued. All four of the persons who died in boating accidents in South Dakota during 2002 were adults who died as the result of falling overboard."

According to Shattuck, very few adult boaters (about 23 percent nationally) wear their life jackets, because they believe that the likelihood that they will end up in the water is remote, and that they will have plenty of time to put one on if danger threatens.

"While the chance is indeed remote, all four of last year’s victims would have survived had they been wearing their life jacket.-something to think about as you head to the water this year," he said. "Children, older people, especially those with health problems, and non-swimmers of all ages should wear their life jackets when on board a boat. Boat owners should consider making it a rule on their boat."

Life jackets have been around a long time, and most boaters are aware of the penalties for not having a wearable, Coast Guard approved life jacket for every person aboard or person being towed behind the boat. Not so well known is that those life jackets need to be in serviceable condition, readily accessible and properly sized for the person whom is meant to wear it. In addition, boats 16-feet in length or longer are required to have, on board, a Coast Guard approved throwable flotation device (Class IV ring buoy or cushion).

To obtain BOATING BASICS, a free independent study boating safety course, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, contact any conservation officer, GFP office or write to Boating Safety, Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks, 412 West Missouri Ave., Pierre, S.D. 57501.

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