LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As Labor Day approaches, state and local officials are reminding boaters of guidelines that are meant both to keep them safe as well as to protect local lakes from environmental damage.
“California’s waterways are expected to be crowded during Labor Day weekend,” stated Department of Boating and Waterways’ Acting Director Lucia Becerra. “Wearing a life jacket, avoiding alcohol and maintaining a proper lookout are the top three life-saving practices that boaters are being asked to follow for a safe and pleasant weekend.”
The Lake County Sheriff's Office is reminding all boaters that quagga inspections and stickers are very important for the health of Clear Lake, and its associated waterways.
Since the quagga ordinance was revised earlier this year, making the violation a misdemeanor instead of an infraction, and increasing the base fine from $100 to $1,000, 19 citations have been issued.
While the violation was still an infraction in 2008, 2009 and 2010, a total of 107 citations were issued, the agency said.
Technically, all persons who are cited for this misdemeanor are considered arrested and released on their promise to appear, according to sheriff's officials.
Lake County law requires mandatory screening of all water vessels prior to launching in a Lake County water body. That applies to all registered water vessels, meaning any watercraft, or jet ski, or float plane capable of being launched into a water body.
However, it does not apply to canoes, kayaks, car-top boats, float tubes, rafts, wind surfers/boards, boogey boards, non-motorized paddle boats, and non-motorized sail boats that are eight feet or less in length.
Local law also bans the disposal of live bait and any liquid that contains or has contained live bait into Lake County water bodies, and establishes any violation as a misdemeanor, with a fine of $1,000.
For additional information, call the Lake County Department of Water Resources at 707-263-2344
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office also has a zero tolerance policy and every violator is cited.
It is against the law to operate a boat, or be towed behind or alongside a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more.
Designating a driver is not enough on vessels. The concept works well in cars, but drunken passengers on boats can easily fall overboard, swim near the propeller, or cause loading problems by leaning over the side or standing up in small vessels, causing them to capsize.
Everyone who drinks alcohol on board a boat is at risk. If you do drink, wear a life jacket, officials urged.
Knowing how to swim does not make you drown-proof. Statistics show that many boating fatalities involved boaters not wearing life jackets, getting knocked unconscious and going under the water. A properly fitted life jacket will help keep you float until help arrives.
So far this year, 17 drowning victims statewide have been reported to Department of Boating and Waterways. Eleven were not wearing life jackets, five were and one is unknown.
Other concerns on the water include operator inattention, which Boating and Waterways reported is the leading cause of boating accidents, contributing to 35 percent of all California boating accidents last year.
While the operator is ultimately responsible for maintaining a proper lookout, it is a good idea to designate someone else on board to help watch for other traffic, especially on a large boat or in congested areas.
Boat operators are also encouraged to familiarize their passengers with safety equipment and how to be safe aboard their boats – such as keeping hands inside the boat when near a dock, carbon monoxide dangers, propeller safety, etc.
Officials warned, “If it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility.”
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