New to me, Louisiana Law !!!

[The Rooster]

After boating all day Sunday, we made our way back to the launch, and were waved over by "The Man" ie: any law inforcement on the water. After the usual safety and registration checks, he asked my nephew how old he was? After telling the officer he was 15, the officer began writing me a ticket. I told him it was my understanding that anyone 12 years and under must wear a life jacket while the boat is in gear and moving. He stated that law was changed about 2 years ago and now the age is 16 and under. Long story short, it's a $75.00 fine. I know ignorance of the law is no excuse, but I would have thought a written or verbal warning would suffice !!!, besides, I don't remember getting the e-mail on that one !!! Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see these guys out there. Anyway, enough ranting, I was just wondering if this was a "Louisiana" thing or is this the general age around the country?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: New to me, Louisiana Law !!!

California its under 13.

 

[DocR]

Re: New to me, Louisiana Law !!!

Last week we had a 21 year old drown in MN, the life jacket was in his canoe. Please tell me at what age you need to be, that you will not drown.
I don't care what age you are in my boat, on life jacket- no move! I am not going to drown trying to save anyone. If I drowned who would pay off my boat?
Water temp on Lake Superior last week was 38.8 Deg. Even with a life jacket on you are only going to last a short time, but at least they wont have to drag the lake to find you.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: New to me, Louisiana Law !!!

Here's a BoatUS link with the USCG default and a list for state by state laws. http://www.boatus.com/foundation/ljlp/staterequirements.asp

I agree with DocR - PFD on or no move! Older peeps fall out of boats too.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: New to me, Louisiana Law !!!

I respectfully disagree with Doc and Ga. While all passengers on fast, low sided boats such as speed and bass boats should wear life jackets, I never require swimmers above the legal age to wear life-jackets on a pontoon. I don't like to sacarifice comfort for a safety item of such low probability.

BTW, the age is 6 in Florida for inland and coastal waters up to the 3 mile limit and then the age is 13.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: New to me, Louisiana Law !!!

Thanks for the replies, and the "link". Lesson learned !!!

 

[hd883chopper]

Re: New to me, Louisiana Law !!!

I believe in Tennessee, the rule states 12 yrs and under must wear a LJ unless the boat is at anchor.