Assembly Passes Brianna's Law to Require Boating Safety & Make New York's Waterways a Safer Place

[pequa1]

Sort of a rhetorical question, because nobody will know the answer. But if they take this course, would they have lifejackets, and a safety flag?

Unless the law establishes fines, which it probably never will for non-motorized vessels, they are just an accident and a lawsuit waiting to happen. (IMHO, Stupid people should be denied the right to sue. these two reminded me of the jackass that burned her crotch while driving from McDonalds with a hot coffee)

 

[poorrichard]

Boat Guy-I am an instructor for the NY State Safe Boating Program. Chapter 4 of the text book covers all safety equipment that is required to be on board the vessel. We also teach how to properly use the safety gear. They are taught the number and type of PFD's-life jackets required, distress flags, fire extinguishers, sound producing devices and more.

 

[BoatGuy]

Sorry I wasn't clear. I wasn't questioning the course or your teaching. Just wonder how many people will follow your teaching was my point.

 

[Roccus7]

So, so many morons out there. Yesterday I counted 7 people in a 14' rowboat skiff including 2 children w/o life jackets on. I'm for letting Darwinism run its course if someone is stupid enough to tempt fate like that.

My granddaughters aren't even allowed on my dock without a life jacket, just plain common sense that I didn't need a course to teach me.

 

[pequa1]

New York​

1. Anyone <12 years of age on a vessel <65 feet, unless situated in an enclosed cabin; 2. Anyone towed behind a vessel; 3. Anyone on a personal watercraft; 4. Anyone on a vessel <21 feet between Nov 1st and May 1st.​

10. Any violation of the provisions of this section, or of a rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this section, shall constitute a violation punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars. ​

I finally googled and found that there is a fine for not wearing PFDs on motorboats, subject to the above.
and this is from the NY State boating guide:

"Life Jackets Every vessel including canoes, kayaks and row boats operated in NYS must have on board one USCG approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard. In addition, vessels 16 feet and greater in length except canoes and kayaks are required to have a USCG approved type IV throwable flotation aid. In order for any life jacket to be considered properly worn, any straps or zippers must be tied or zipped. Life jackets must be readily accessible. Meaning they must be reachable quickly in an emergency. Never store life jackets in plastic bags or under lock and key while under way. Life jackets must also be serviceable and of appropriate size for the wearer. A serviceable life jacket is free from tears, rot and punctures. In addition all fasteners must be attached and functional. Avoid if possible storing life jackets in direct sunlight, a wet environment and sitting on life jackets as this will accelerate wear and damage. Who must wear a life jacket!!! • Children under the age of 12 aboard pleasure vessels less than 65 feet in length, canoes, kayaks or rowboats unless in a totally enclosed cabin • Everyone being towed (wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, etc.) • Everyone aboard pleasure vessels less than 21feet in length, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks, while underway between November 1st and May 1st • Everyone aboard a PWC ."

 

[poorrichard]

Boat Guy-Teachers/Instructors only teach the curriculum. We try to teach them the proper way to do things on board any vessel or watercraft (canoe, kayak. Jet Ski ect.)

Many people still don't wear seat belts like they were taught in driver ed or for the permit exam.

I can't correct stupid, laziness, or carelessness

 

[Roccus7]

Many people still don't wear seat belts like they were taught in driver ed or for the permit exam.

I can't correct stupid, laziness, or carelessness

As Shakespeare wrote, "Aye, there's the rub." The events that triggered this legislation were all "Stupid Human Tricks" and for this reason, I feel this whole initiative is just politicians trying to look good by setting up regulations with absolutely no value added. They'll pound their chests and said, "Look what we did to improve things" and when the inevitable accident occurs between two "graduates" the politicians will be nowhere to be found.

Yeah, I'm a cynical curmudgeon...

 

[Avenger]

As Shakespeare wrote, "Aye, there's the rub." The events that triggered this legislation were all "Stupid Human Tricks" and for this reason, I feel this whole initiative is just politicians trying to look good by setting up regulations with absolutely no value added. They'll pound their chests and said, "Look what we did to improve things" and when the inevitable accident occurs between two "graduates" the politicians will be nowhere to be found.

Yeah, I'm a cynical curmudgeon...

Can't "like" this enough.

Although, knowing politicians, they'd probably respond by saying that more laws are needed. Eventually they'll ban recreational boating altogether. What do politicians do? They write laws. So, when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

I swear, if the Wright brothers invented the airplane today it would be banned immediately as a dangerous instrumentality.

 

[Capt13]

I'm sorry guys ....... I am all for the law. Safe boating requires more knowledge than safe driving imho. If you don't believe it will make a difference, I have a question. Why don't we just eliminate the test new drivers take when they want to drive a car ? After all, it can't fix stupid.

 

[WhatKnot]

Its better than nothing, If a few minds are enlightened than that’s a good thing. We need to do something.

 

[BoatGuy]

Boat Guy-

I can't correct stupid, laziness, or carelessness

I guess that was my point.

 

[BoatGuy]

As Shakespeare wrote, "Aye, there's the rub." The events that triggered this legislation were all "Stupid Human Tricks" and for this reason, I feel this whole initiative is just politicians trying to look good by setting up regulations with absolutely no value added. They'll pound their chests and said, "Look what we did to improve things" and when the inevitable accident occurs between two "graduates" the politicians will be nowhere to be found.

Yeah, I'm a cynical curmudgeon...

You stated the pint I was trying to get across MUCH BETTER than I did.