News

Dangers Associated with Underage Operators of Personal Watercraft

In an August 2, 2004 alert the Coast Guard warns the public of dangers associated with underage, inexperienced operators of personal watercraft. The Coast Guard is urging parents to ensure their children get educated about boating safety before operating or riding a personal watercraft. Adults who rent, lend, or borrow personal watercraft must know and follow Federal and State boating laws, and heed the Coast Guard's "You're in Command" message to be responsible for the safety of all those who operate or ride. Recent personal watercraft fatalities on Lake Tahoe involving children under the age of sixteen have raised Coast Guard concern and led to this appeal to adults and parents. To read more about this danger, see the Boating Safety web site.
[Posted: 7 February 2005. Source: Barbara Rhoades, BC-ASP]