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News Release

National Safe Boating Week May 16-22, 2009

Time to Remember Life Jackets Save Lives

Richmond, VA — National Safe Boating Week is May 16 - 22, this year, making right now the time to remind boaters to be safe on the water. First and foremost, boaters need to think about life jackets and plan to wear them. A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets.

It is the law in Virginia that there must be one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket of the appropriate size for each person on the boat. In addition, No person may operate a recreational vessel on federal waters with any child under age 13 on the vessel unless each child is either wearing an appropriate life jacket approved by the USCG or below deck or in an enclosed cabin. This applies to waters in which the USCG has enforcement jurisdiction, and in Virginia that includes the Chesapeake Bay, Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Gaston, Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake), Claytor Lake, Lake Moomaw, and other inland waters that are considered navigable. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is asking boaters to make a commitment to wear their life jackets at all times while on the water.

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

Adults need to be role models for young people on their boats and wear their life jackets, too. Modern life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive, and more wearable than styles of previous years. New inflatable designs are light weight and far less bulky than older styles.

It is recommended for anyone who operates a boat to complete a boating safety education course that is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and accepted by VDGIF. Virginia's new Boating Safety Education Compliance Regulation is being phased in over the next several years. The first compliance date is July 1, this year, when boat operators age 20 and younger will be required to complete a boating safety education course AND have proof of that in their possession while operating a personal watercraft commonly referred to as a "jet ski."

If you have previously taken a boating safety education course and have your card, you are in compliance with the new regulation. There is no need to "register" with the Department to show you are in compliance, simply carry your course completion card or certificate on board.

If you have previously taken a boating safety education course in Virginia and the course was a classroom course provided by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, your name should be in VDGIF's student database and the agency can replace the card. The request for a duplicate card must be in writing. Please include your full name, address at the time of course completion, birth date, telephone or e-mail (in case Department personnel need to contact you regarding your request), and current mailing address. Please fax your replacement card request to 804-367-1128, or mail to Boating Safety Education, Replacement Card, P.O. Box 11104, Richmond, VA 23230.

If you have previously taken a boating safety education course and the course was provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadrons, contact them for a replacement card.

If you have previously taken a boating safety education course over the internet, check with your original course provider.

To learn more about boating laws in Virginia and about boating education courses, visit the Department's website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating.

Remember, everyone wants to have a safe, enjoyable day on the water. Do your part by wearing your life jacket and taking a boating safety education class.