State parks officials remind boaters, water goers: Safety first

Now that the warm temperatures are officially here, California State Parks officials are reminding the community to always make safety a top priority as they head to the lake and other bodies of water. With millions of people enjoying California's beaches, lakes and rivers each year, taking simple precautions, such as wearing a life jacket, can be the critical difference between a safe day on the water or one with a tragic outcome, say state park officials. "California offers incredible boating opportunities, but conditions can change quickly," said DBW Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. "Wearing a life jacket, checking weather and water conditions prior to departure and staying alert are the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family." DBW encourages all boaters and paddlers to follow these SMART safety tips: S – Safety: Always wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. According to the U.S. Coast Guard's 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics, 87 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device. California law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket on a moving vessel. If you don't have a life jacket, there are life jacket loaner stations at many waterways. Borrow the life jacket for the day and return it when you're done. M – Monitor weather and water conditions: Check weather and water conditions before and during your trip. Review water conditions with local waterway managers and be informed of the weather by checking NOAA marine forecasts and other reputable sites. Always dress for the water temperature to protect against cold water shock. A – Avoid alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time. Boating under the influence is illegal and dangerous for operators and passengers alike. R – Review rules and required equipment: The ABCs of California Boating is an excellent resource for staying up to date on rules and required equipment. Ensure your vessel is equipped with required safety gear, including life jackets and an engine cut-off switch when applicable. Even non-motorized vessels must carry essential safety equipment when operating on California waterways. All paddle craft users, including people using kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, are required to carry a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board, a sound-signaling device such as a whistle and a white light when operating between sunset and sunrise or in limited visibility. Having the right equipment on board helps paddlers stay visible, communicate in emergencies and be prepared for changing conditions on the water. T – Take a safe boating course and tell someone: All operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, are required to complete a safe boating course and carry a California Boater Card. Learn more at CaliforniaBoaterCard.com. Before heading out, tell someone your plan. Share your trip details, route and expected return time with a trusted contact. This information is critical in an emergency. The division also reminds boaters it's everyone's responsibility to help protect our waterways. Practice clean and green boating. Prevent fuel spills, properly dispose of waste and recycle fishing line at designated stations. Boaters and recreationists can also do their part in combating the spread of invasive mussels by following watercraft inspections and remembering to "clean, drain and dry" their watercraft before entering and leaving waterways. Learn more from DWR's video series about golden mussels, tips on how boaters can stop the spread and what to expect during a mussel inspection. Additionally, DBW maintains a list of reservoir contacts and watercraft inspection information. Whether you're sailing, fishing, paddling or cruising, DBW encourages everyone to stay informed, prepared and safety-focused throughout the boating season.