BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone spending time on the water this summer of the proper safety equipment they need to enjoy their time on, in and around the waterways here in Central Oregon.
The revised Oregon State statute regarding the use of personal flotation devices is ORS 830.215, which states that all boats operating on Oregon waterways must carry a Coast Guard-approved portable life jacket for each person on board.
Children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket during the trip. The life jacket must be easily accessible for persons over 12 years of age. It must also be the right size for the person so that it properly supports the wearer in the water.
A violation of ORS 830.215 is a Class D violation with a fine of $115 if the person is an adult, or a Class B violation with a fine of $265 if the person is a child 12 years of age or younger who is not wearing a life jacket or fails to wear one while driving.
“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol sees a lot of people doing stand-up paddleboarding without life jackets on board,” Sergeant Jason Wall said recently. The Oregon Marine Board defines a stand-up paddleboard as a boat and therefore requires a life jacket.
It is recommended that paddlers on flowing waters such as the Deschutes River have a quick release on the leash or not use it. Paddlers on lakes must use the leash to prevent the board from blowing away after falling off.
For more information visit the Oregon State Marine Board: Home: State of Oregon
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