By: Steffi Broski
A new state law requires kids under the age of 13 to wear life jackets on most boats. It used to be kids under 12.
A new state law requires kids under the age of 13 to wear life jackets on most boats. It used to be kids under 12.
Melissa Langeland is with the California Department of Boating and Waterways. She says it’s great if kids know how to swim … but life vests are still necessary.
Langeland: “There’s a number of ways that even good swimmers can be swept under, there’s strong currents depending on what body of water you’re on, especially in the Delta and the river.”
Langeland says last year, five people drowned in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. None of them was wearing a life jacket.
Langeland says wearing a lifejacket can save lives. She says people are often knocked unconscious during a boating accident.
The new regulations comply with federal law.