BOATING SEASON SAFETY REMINDER - STATE LIFE JACKET LAW

Voyageurs National Park Chief Ranger James Hummel announced today that the Minnesota state law requiring children under 10 years of age to wear a life jacket when aboard a watercraft will be enforced by Park Rangers within Voyageurs National Park this year. Hummel stated, “Park Rangers have been working with the area State conservation officers to educate and warn visitors about this requirement since May, 2003.” State law requires children less than 10 years of age to wear life jackets when aboard a watercraft that is under way (not tied up at a dock or permanent mooring). Exemptions from wearing a life jacket include: 1) When in an enclosed cabin or below the top deck on a watercraft; 2) When on an anchored boat that is a platform for swimming or diving; and 3) When aboard a charter (passenger) craft with a licensed captain.

Violators may now face a citation of $100. Hummel reminds all boaters that although the law pertains to those less than 10 years of age, everyone is advised to wear a life jacket while on the water. “We have worked through the tragedy of two visitor fatalities in the park over the past 5 years due to their failure to wear a life jacket.” A readily accessible life jacket will still be required for all those aboard watercraft within the park. “We want to ensure visitors not only have a great experience in the park but that they come home safely to share their experiences with their family and friends.”