Russian River (ShutterStock Image)
Sonoma County Sheriff’s marine unit is reminding boaters to be safe this Memorial Day Weekend. Deputy Crackioli posted a few tips on the sheriff’s Facebook page for boaters.
Other tips include
A serviceable fire extinguisher must be on board. Extinguisher must be within 12 years of manufacturer stamp date.
A type IV throwable flotation device must be on board and within immediate reach of the operator while underway.
Life vests must be worn by operators of jet skis at all times while underway.
Anytime a person is being towed behind a moving vessel (water skiing, wake surfing, tubing, etc.) there must be a person 12 years or older and separate from the operator with a bright orange ski flag to signal when the towed person falls off the tow.
Every passenger must be in a designated seat while the boat is in motion. (Do not sit or lay on the back hatch or sides of the boat)
Observe and obey all posted signs on buoys. These mark no wake zones, no ski areas, and directional travel requirements.
Boat sober!