Sutter County Sheriff's Office has a fully operational boat patrol unit presently comprised of a sergeant, two to four deputies, and several reserves. The unit is responsible for the public's safe enjoyment of its 187 miles of waterways in or bordering the county year round. These waterways include the Sacramento River, Feather River, and Sutter by-pass canal system. Show Some of the unit's responsibilities include enforcement of boating laws and regulations, assistance to stranded boaters, inspection of vessels for proper equipment, supervision of organized water events, search and rescue operations, recovery of drowning victims, investigation of boating accidents, and boating safety presentations, and evacuation of citizens in flood conditions. Several boats and crafts of various sizes and designs are used to accomplish the unit's mission. The unit will also summon the surrounding counties for mutual aid from their sheriff's boat patrol units if the need arises. If you would like to have a boating safety or water safety presentation, please contact the Boat Patrol Sergeant through our contact form or telephone (530) 822-7307. California Boating Laws and RegulationsAge and Operator RestrictionsCalifornia law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercrafts (PWCs). Exceptions to this are: Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of a California Boater Card. There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 ft. long (wind as propulsion) or a dinghy used between a moored vessel(s) and/or shore. Personal Flotation Device (PFD), commonly known as "Life Jackets" Children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a moving boat that’s 26 feet in length or less. The life jacket must be of proper size and fit for the child. Vessels less than 16 feet in length must have one Coast Guard-approved life jacket onboard the vessel for each person. They must be readily accessible, good condition and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer. Vessels 16 feet to less than 26 feet in length must have one Coast Guard-approved life jacket onboard the vessel for each person. They must be readily accessible, good condition and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer. In addition, the vessel must carry an approved Type IV throwable device which should be immediately available (canoes and kayaks are exempt from the Type IV device). Personal Watercraft (PWC), commonly known as "Jet Skis"
Reckless or Negligent Operation of a Vessel
For more information on boating and water safety, please contact Boat Patrol Sergeant using our contact form or telephone (530) 822-7307.
Q: The “joke” I keep hearing is that the two happiest days for a boat owner are the day the boat is bought, and the day the boat is sold. I am not believing that, and am about to buy a nice sized motor boat. We have two kids. First question: What are the basics for someone to legally operate a boat here? M.B., Marina Del Rey Ron SokolA: In order to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 horse power or more, including personal watercraft, California requires a person to be at least 16 years of age and in possession of a California boater card. There are exceptions for people 12 to 15 years of age, if they are supervised on board by someone who is at least 18 years of age and has a California boater card. Also, there is no age restriction to operate a sailboat under 30 feet long (with wind as the main source of propulsion), or a dinghy used between a moored vessel and the shore, or between two moored vessels. The California Division of Boating and Waterways sets forth online, in detail, the ABCs of California boating. The information there includes required equipment, waterway markings, and emergency and accident procedures. Go to dbw.parks.ca.gov (or type “California Division of Boating and Waterways, ABCs” in your web browser) for more information. Q: Second question — is it necessary to have insurance for the boat? M.B., Marina Del Rey A: In California, liability coverage is required to operate a boat or personal watercraft. You must carry at least $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury — the former for a single claimant, the latter no matter how many — and $5,000 for property damage. That said, a note of caution: These minimums may not be enough (or nearly enough) if a major accident occurs. Notice requirementCalifornia law requires a boater involved in an accident to submit a written report to the Division of Boating and Waterways when there is a death, disappearance or injury requiring medical care beyond first aid, or if there is property damage totaling more than $500. Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for over 35 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional. Get the latest news delivered daily! Sign Up |