Word of advice regarding life jackets for kids

[dolphinatic]

For all you boaters out there that are up to date with the regs, this isn't for you. For everyone else, like me, you might want to know this. I received a $90 citation for violating Statute 327.50 (1b) regarding kids under 6 wearing life vests in the boat. Every other check was passed with flying colors....registration, license, fish (bag limit/size), exstinguisher, flare gun, whistle, life vest on board, etc. I was cited at the Lighthouse for my 5 year old not wearing a life vest while the boat was moving.....in the wake zone. I was unaware that the law stated that the vest must be worn at all times while the boat is moving...no matter the speed. Granted, I was not endangering my child's safety by doing this, but violated the law as it is written and it cost me. No warning was given or extended....even for the wake zone. Take heed with warmer weather coming leading to increased family boating. Others I have spoken with have also noted that no warnings are being given. It's revenue from here on out

[lordsfisher]

Yes I've been caught with the revenue generator once for an expired trailer tag. Even though half the trailers at the ramp don't even have tags. ha ha So I feel your pain. Thanks for the heads up!

[Reel Cowboy]

Don't quote me on this but I'm pretty sure if they are under a certain age they must have a life jacket on at all times.
Hate you got the ticket but you could always make the check out as a fund raiser donation and use it as a tax deduction.

[Joe]

My son and his buddy were in a 4 foot deep back woods pond bream fishing this weekend in a 8 foot pond boat under Minn Kota power and they both got a ticket for no life jackets. I guess Floatation is regarded as a "Shovel Ready Project"

[wevans]

http://myfwc.com/Boating/safety/vessel_class/1.htm

http://myfwc.com/Boating/safety/vessel_class/A.htm

One approved Type I, II, or III for each person on board or being towed on waterskis etc.

Must be USCG approved. Must be in serviceable condition. Must be properly stored.

NOTE:A Type V hybrid may substituted for any Type I, II, or III device, but must be worn whenever the vessel is underway and the person is not in the cabin or other enclosed area.

Class A:Every person on board under the age of six (6) must wear an approved Type I, II, or III while the vessel is underway.

Personal Watercraft (PWC): Everyone on or operating a PWC must wear an approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited.

Water Skier: Every person skiing or aquaplaning must wear an approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are prohibited.

[dolphinatic]

It's been proposed to raise the age from 6 to 13. I see the need for the law regarding someone running at a certain speed perhaps....but a wake zone I just thought that a warning in the wake zone would have been a nice gesture compared to the open water running wide open. Then again, that would have been $90 lost....an costly warning to the state but an expensive one to me

[Dubble Trubble]

It has been common knowledge for a while that kids have to have them on any time the boat is moving, even though I was not even sure what the age limit was. (I thought it was 12)

I have even seen some TV ads about it on WCTV.

Same with car seats in a vehicle. Even in a parking lot, they have to be in them if the car is moving.

Sorry about your 90 bux, that kinda sux.

Dubble

[Nathan]

Life jackets and children wearing life jackets are both zero tolerance violations. The State of Florida is actually fairly lax on children wearing life jackets compared to the federal regulations. Federal regulations require it for every child under the age of 13. The exemptions are vessels 26' and over and vessels not underway. By definition you can be drifting and get a ticket for this law. As for the source of revenue comments the vast majority of fines from tickets goes straight to the county.

Nathan

[Dubble Trubble]

Life jackets and children wearing life jackets are both zero tolerance violations. The State of Florida is actually fairly lax on children wearing life jackets compared to the federal regulations. Federal regulations require it for every child under the age of 13. The exemptions are vessels 26' and over and vessels not underway. By definition you can be drifting and get a ticket for this law. As for the source of revenue comments the vast majority of fines from tickets goes straight to the county.

Nathan

So basically, up to 9 miles, it is 6 and under, past 9 miles out, it is 12 and under? Or are there federal waters closer in somewhere in Fla?

Dubble

[Tom Keels]

Life jackets and children wearing life jackets are both zero tolerance violations. The State of Florida is actually fairly lax on children wearing life jackets compared to the federal regulations. Federal regulations require it for every child under the age of 13. The exemptions are vessels 26' and over and vessels not underway. By definition you can be drifting and get a ticket for this law. As for the source of revenue comments the vast majority of fines from tickets goes straight to the county.

Nathan

So basically, up to 9 miles, it is 6 and under, past 9 miles out, it is 12 and under? Or are there federal waters closer in somewhere in Fla?

Dubble

The federal waters are 3 miles out on the east coast.

[dolphinatic]

I guess I just need to get a 26 footer and be done with it