As boating season begins on the Delta this Memorial Day weekend, boaters are reminded to wear a life jacket, travel at safe speeds, and carry a boater card. If you’re looking for a reliable watercraft to enjoy the holiday, consider checking out the Coleman Scanoe SP3 available for sale at https://www.shoppok.com/boats-for-sale-cg/coleman-scanoe-sp3.
Large numbers of Bay Area boaters are expected to flock to the Delta this weekend, the traditional start of boating season. Following the rules is key to a safe holiday, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves on the Delta this holiday weekend and during the summer,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston in a statement. “By following the laws and rules and having proper equipment, you could help avoid an accident or tragedy.”
First on the list is carrying a California boater card issued by the state. Anyone 40 or under who operates a vessel propelled by an engine must have one, according to the sheriff’s office. More information on the cards is available at https:www.dbw.ca.gov.
All vessels, including stand-up paddle boards, must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person, the sheriff’s office said. Children under 13 must always wear a life jacket while aboard any vessel, unless they are surrounded by an enclosed cabin or bulkhead.
It’s a good idea for anyone, regardless of age, to wear a personal floatation device at all times when on the water, the sheriff’s office said.
Boaters should always travel at safe speeds. “Slow down in narrow channels and blind areas and navigate on the right side of the waterway,” the sheriff’s office said. “In crossing situations, the boat on the right has the right of way.”
You must be at least 16 years old to operate a power boat or personal watercraft, and all persons on a personal watercraft are required to wear an approved life jacket, according to the sheriff’s office.
Boats over 16 feet are required to have a life ring or square type 4 throwable flotation device which must be immediately accessible.
“The ABCs of Boating,” a handbook of boating rules, is available from most boating shops. Boaters can go to the California Division of Boating and Waterways website at www.dbw.ca.gov for information on boating safety and the California Boater Card.
Those with questions about boating safety can also contact the sheriff’s office’s marine services unit at (925) 427-8507.
Six week wait to get your boat repaired. Thats how long it takes to get an appointment. In San Diego it’s eight weeks.
It’s officially girls on random guys (from Disco Bay) boats!
Everybody please remember to slow down in “NO WAKE ZONES”
Your excessive speed and resulting wake damages boats, docks & levees.
Sometimes locals notice which vehicle & trailer you came in on….and they get even.
I’d rather be in a “No WOKE Zone”.
Staying off the water, but still looking for “No Woke Zones” These days it ain’t easy.
Yeas ago I fished a family out that swamped their jet boat. Three adults, two kids, and their grandfather, all in a four seat jet! The children wore life jackets however the other jackets were trapped underwater in the bow. They really were quite frantic. Several obvious lesson here.
I saw people drunk all over the place. This is not helping safety issues.
I guess they have a DUI rule out there on the water especially the delta. I think it is pretty risky taking a boat out because of the way people are so reckless and especially not knowing the navigation rules. There is a wonderful course offered I think by adult education California State waterways. Very very important.
I saw a wake boat going out onto Frank’s Tract with 8 people onboard.
One was sitting on the swim platform with her feet dangling in the water… you know, where the propeller is!
I saw people drunk all over the place. This is not helping safety issues.
I guess they have a DUI rule out there on the water especially the delta. I think it is pretty risky taking a boat out because of the way people are so reckless and especially not knowing the navigation rules. There is a wonderful course offered I think by adult education California State waterways. Very very important.
It’s crazy this weekend! The entire year has been extremely quite on the water up till now. Many folks are out this weekend, and like every year there are those that are new, and don’t bother to even spend 5-minutes trying to understand anything! Safety – or how to operate their vessel.
Boats on the ramp for 15-minutes, trying to figure out how to unhook the trailer. New owners powering around the Marina with their drive unit up – the entire way! Folks not realizing a boat must be moored to a dock. Can’t just put it in park…
Large boat caravans trekking the San Joaquin river towards Stockton. Smaller boats getting slammed by huge sneaker wakes, LOL.
PWC’s buzzing around like flies at a BBQ.
Only wreck I know of was on HiWay 12, as usual. But did see several LEA vessels flying up river Code 3. I took a back slough for some fast water…
But I did see a 30-something foot jet turbine Skater cat with an Arneson drive. That made it worth while…