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If you’re a Kansas boater, sooner or later you’ll probably undergo a boat safety check.
These inspections, which may take place prior to launching or on the water, are conducted
by uniformed Kansas Wildlife and parks law enforcement officers. Inspections usually
take less than 10 minutes, and are meant to ensure that a vessel is safe.
Kansas law requires that boats and personal watercraft are equipped with horns or whistles,
fire extinguishers, owner registration, and personal floatation devices. All occupants
less than 12 years old are required to wear life jackets, and adequate floatation devices
must be within reach of everyone older than 12.
Boats cannot exceed their passenger rating, including those towed or pulled behind on
tubes. Alcohol? And drivers appearing to have consumed alcohol may be tested for legal limits.
Tickets may be issued for violations, though officers are most interested in educating
boaters about needed changes. If you’re stopped, please be patient and remember that
patrollers are doing an important job to keep boating safe for all. The best policy? Obey
regulations and have everything in order. That results in a fast written approval good
for the boating season unless an obvious deficiency is noted.
Mike Blair, KDWP