Lake Mendocino – The Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall recently shared a video on Facebook reminding the public of the new boating laws that will be enforced at Lake Mendocino. The laws were put in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the water, especially during the busy holiday season.
Starting from January 1st, 2023, anyone under 50 years of age will be required to have a valid California boater card. This requirement extends to anyone under 60 years of age from January 1st, 2024, and to everyone from January 1st, 2025. This applies to all personal and commercial watercraft, including jet skis. The California boater card can be obtained from www.californiaboatercard.com.
Another important safety requirement is the need for life vests on all watercraft. Every person on board must have a life vest, and anyone riding a jet ski must have a life vest on at all times. It is mandatory for anyone under 13 years of age to wear a life vest at all times while on a watercraft.
It is important to note that all DUI laws apply to watercraft as well. This includes anyone 21 years or older with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, and anyone under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of 0.01 or higher. The California state law on Driving Under the Influence will be strictly enforced on the water, and any violators will be prosecuted severely.
To ensure that everyone follows the new laws, deputies will be on the sheriff’s boat this summer enforcing all applicable laws. Sheriff Kendall encourages the public to say hi if they see them while out on the water.
These new laws are crucial for the safety of everyone on the water, and it is important for everyone to follow them. So, if you are planning to head out to Lake Mendocino this holiday season, make sure to obtain your California boater card and wear your life vest at all times to avoid any legal consequences.
Stay safe and enjoy the beautiful waters of Lake Mendocino!
Facebook Video
