So sad to hear about this accident! Makes you wonder if the boat was over capacity and they had proper life jackets for everyone. I believe infants and young children are required it wear PFDs........or at least in Florida.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
All boats must have a US Coast Guard approved wearable type PFD for each person on board or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, readily available and the proper size for the intended wearer. In addition, boats 16 feet in length or longer must carry a Type IV throwable device. In South Carolina, any person under twelve years of age must wear a US Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD when on board a class “A” (less than 16 ft. long) boat.
Not only is the boat operator at fault (drinking) but I suspect the parents as well had a few. Child endangerment?
Fed law for PFD used to be 13 unless mandated by the state. The states all have requirements now so the feds backed out of it.
Well it's been said that you can't regulate stupid so you have to wonder what effect the laws have in a case like this. Federal or state.
Dave
You need a license to drive a car but only need a credit score to buy and drive a boat.
You have to fill out 4 pages to rescue an animal at the shelter-- but nothing to have a child.
................. Most states require boating safety education that overemphasises DUI and not some of the more useful stuff because as I pointed out...it's a bigger issue than "just" licensing or education.
You need a license to drive a car but only need a credit score to buy and drive a boat.
You have to fill out 4 pages to rescue an animal at the shelter-- but nothing to have a child.
Misleading to you...
This is what I said...which is entirely accurate...
"Most states require boating safety education that overemphasises DUI and not some of the more useful stuff because as I pointed out...it's a bigger issue than "just" licensing or education."
I never said it was worthwhile or comprehensive in material or population.
Even in the states such as NJ where it's very strict...like I said ...it does little to prevent dangerous personality driven issues.
California recently passed a boater education requirement. It will be phased in over a period of about 10 years, with younger persons being subject to the requirement earlier compared to older persons.
Who needs a Boater Education?
Boaters under 16 years of age are required by law to pass an approved boater education course before operating, without supervision, a personal watercraft (jet ski) or a boat powered by 15 hp motor or more.