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DWR Encourages Life Jacket Wear While Boating
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is reminding all boaters to stay safe this summer and always wear a life jacket while on the water. A good day on the water can turn tragic in seconds. No matter where you boat, kayak, paddleboard, or canoe–from large lakes and rivers to small farm ponds—wearing a life jacket is essential for safety!
If you are venturing out on any type of paddlecraft, operators and passengers are required to have wearable, US Coast Guard approved life jackets on board, and we strongly recommend you wear them.
#KnowBeforeYouGo – make sure you have the REQUIRED equipment on board whatever type of boat you are in before you leave the dock, and tell someone where you are going and expected to return.
DWR has a full list of what’s required on their website: dwr.virginia.gov/boating/boating-safety/
- Equipment Regulations:
- Required Equipment
- Life Jackets
- A Special Note about Inflatable Life Jackets
- Does Your Life Jacket Really Fit?
- Fire Extinguishers
- Backfire Flame Arrestor
- Ventilation
- Sound Producing Devices
- Muffling Device
- Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD)
- Pump Out Stations
- Visual Distress Signals
- Navigation Lights
- Navigation Lights – Power Driven Vessels
- Navigation Lights – Sailing Vessels
While getting ready for the boating season, boaters should make sure they have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in good condition that fit every occupant of the boat, including children. Inspect your gear, including your inflatable life jacket before your adventure on the water. Inflatable life jackets make it easy for adults to “Wear It” while enjoying their time on the water and being a good role model for young people on their boats. Also, have a plan to re-board your boat in case the unexpected happens and you end up in the water.
Lowhead dams are all around us in the Commonwealth. When you create your float plan, or before you venture out on your local waterway, familiarize yourself with lowhead dams. Danger lurks above and below the dam. Water flowing over a drop forms a hole or hydraulic at the base which can trap objects washing over the drop. Backwash or recirculating current is formed below the dam. Once swept over the dam, a victim becomes trapped and is forced underwater, pushed away from the dam, then circulated to the top. The circulating motion then repeats the cycle over and over again as the individual is drawn back against the base of the dam.
Safety Tips to Follow:
- Scout the river and know the location of hazards. Talk with boaters who are familiar with the river to gain additional knowledge.
- Boat with experienced, responsible boaters and learn from them.
- Watch for a smooth horizon line where the stream meets the sky. This potentially indicates the presence of a dam.
- Look out for concrete retaining walls which are part of the dam structure and easier to spot.
- Portage around all dams.
- When portaging, re-enter the river at a point well downstream of the boil.
Weather conditions and a marine forecast can be found on the National Weather Service website. The United States Geological Survey has water temperatures for some inland lakes and rivers.
To learn more about boating laws in Virginia and information on boating, boating education and water safety, please visit: dwr.virginia.gov/boating. Remember, everyone wants to have a safe, enjoyable day on the water. Do your part by wearing your life jacket and taking a boating safety education course.
Always be responsible, be safe and have fun! #RecreateResponsibly #KnowBeforeYouGo
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.
PLEASE DO NOT DISREGARD SAFETY MESSAGES. THEY ARE THERE TO PROTECT YOU!