Butte County Sheriff reminds everyone that as we head into the summer months, they would like to share a few important water safety reminders before you head out to enjoy our local lakes and waterways.
Under California law, every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that is in good condition and properly sized for the child and activity.
For boats less than 16-feet in length, as well as canoes and kayaks of any size, there must be a Coast Guard-approved life jacket available for every person on board.
For boats 16-feet or longer, the same life jacket requirements apply. In addition, you must carry a Type IV throwable flotation device, such as a ring buoy, seat cushion, or horseshoe buoy.
We would also like to remind our community that California boating law requires all motorized vessel operators must obtain a boater education certificate and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways.
If you’re out on the water and your vessel becomes disabled, please contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (530) 538-7322. If you have an emergency, always call 911.
We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and enjoyable summer on the water!
