Community Corner

Santa Clara County Advises Safe Boating Practices

Boating season officially begins Memorial Day weekend.

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Claudia Cruz, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Editor's Note: The following press release was contributed by the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department. It's been edited for brevity and clarity.

With the official opening of the summer boating season scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend, the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department would like to remind boaters to practice safe boating on county reservoirs.

Equipping recreational vessels with proper safety equipment, being mindful of state boating laws, avoiding alcohol, and checking weather conditions can decrease the chances of a boating accident.

Below are some tips that will help boaters have a safe boating experience:

Life jackets are a must: There must be a properly fitted life jacket on your vessel for each person. Children under the age of 13, all personal watercraft riders, paddle-boarders, and anyone being towed behind a boat are required by law to wear a lifejacket.

Emergency equipment: In the event of an emergency, boaters should have the following equipment to expedite a rescue:

  • Flares and an emergency position indicating radio beacon with 406 MHz capabilities.
  • A GPS unit, or at a minimum, boaters should maintain knowledge of local waters and know their location at
    all times.
  • An operational marine VHF radio. VHF channel 16 is an emergency only channel.
Boating laws: To ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience, it is important for all boaters to know and follow California’s boating laws found in the ABCs of California Boating booklet.

Weather conditions: Boaters should check current and forecasted weather conditions prior to getting underway, and remain aware of changing conditions once on the water.
  • The National Weather Service broadcasts weather conditions throughout the day on VHF channel WX2.
  • The Coast Guard broadcasts weather conditions on VHF channel 22A at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m.
Vessel safety inspection: A safety inspection can ensure vessels are properly equipped with the recommended and required equipment.

To book a complimentary appointment with a Coast Guard Auxiliary examiner, boaters can visit: www.vesselsafetycheck.org.

For additional safe boating information please click here.For information on Santa Clara County Parks boating facilities, please click here.

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