Boat Safety
 
By MFFD
July 3, 2017
 

With the Summer in full force just remember to be safe out on the lake. Here is a little information that may answer any questions about boat safety & laws.

North Carolina law requires children younger than 13 years of age to wear an appropriate life vest whenever they are on a recreational vessel that is underway. When choosing a life vest for a child, always check for a U.S. Coast Guard approved label.
The life vest must be a proper fit, with youth sizes corresponding to weight ranges.
For more information about boating safety or to enroll in a free boating education course, go to www.ncwildlife.org.

Who Can Operate a PWC?

Anyone 14 years of age or older can operate a PWC if they meet one of the following requirements::
*They have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course (proof of age and safety course completion must be carried during operation)
*They are riding with a person who is at least 18 and is in compliance with the Boating Education Requirement Law (G.S. 75A-16.2)

It is unlawful for the owner of a PWC to knowingly allow a person younger than 16 to operate a PWC unless they have first completed an approved boating safety education course.
It is unlawful for anyone who has temporary or permanent responsibility for a person younger than 16 to knowingly allow that person to operate a PWC unless they have first completed an approved boating safety education course.

www.boat-ed.com/northcarolina