Peace Garden News

A national safe boating public awareness campaign is set to take place from May 17-23. This annual event aims to educate boaters and water users as they prepare for the summer season.

According to North Dakota law, all children aged 10 and younger must wear a personal flotation device while on boats less than 27 feet in length. The law also mandates that all personal watercraft users wear a life jacket, as well as anyone being towed on skis, tubes, boards, or similar devices.

Exceptions are made for individuals engaged in barefoot skiing or surfing, who may wear a wet suit instead of a life jacket, provided there is a life preserver on board the towing vessel. Additionally, those aged 16 and older can windsurf or boardsail without wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).

Water users are advised to ensure their life jackets are appropriately sized and in good condition. The failure to wear a PFD is cited as the primary reason for fatalities in water recreation accidents.

For water skiers and tubers, it is recommended to use life jackets with four nylon straps rather than zippers due to the greater strength of straps upon impact with water. Anglers and those paddling canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards should choose PFDs that are comfortable enough for extended wear.

Children should also wear PFDs while swimming. Swimmers need to be aware of the water's depth since diving into shallow areas can cause serious injuries. Hidden objects beneath the surface pose additional risks for significant injury.