LDWF agents to be out in force performing safety checks and DWI patrols
With summer boating season fast approaching, the state is once again participating in Safe Boating Week starting Saturday, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding all boaters to be safe and responsible while on the water.
According to a press release from LDWF, which will be conducting safety checks and DWI patrols throughout the week across the state, all vessels need to have enough personal flotation devices on board for all occupants.
Regulations mandate that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26 feet long. For more boating and PFD regulations, click here.
Alcohol use is another leading cause of boating crashes, and the release states that penalties for a DWI on the water are the same as on the road.
Anyone cited for a DWI on the water will lose their driver’s license and boating privileges for the time specified by the judge in the case.
LDWF also wants to remind everyone that anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 is required to successfully complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators boating education course to operate a boat over 10 horsepower.
For a list of free classes statewide, click here.
