With temperatures expected to soar past 100 degrees on Memorial Day, many people will be pulling the covers off of their boats and hitting the Delta for the unofficial start of the summer.
But they better make sure that whoever is at the helm is able to safely operate the vessel that they’re piloting.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that its Boating Safety Unit will be out in full force this weekend to keep the San Joaquin River Delta safe for everybody who wants to enjoy it – and a big part of that safety will be searching for and removing those that are operating their watercraft under the influence.
“With Memorial Day weekend upon us, our Boating Safety Unit would like to remind everyone to remain focused on safety while on the water,” the sheriff’s office said in a release. “We expect a very busy boating season this year, and our Boating Safety deputies will be working hard to make sure everyone has an enjoyable, but safe, time on our local waterways.”
According to CNBC, the sale of boats skyrocketed last year during the pandemic and the varying stages of shutdowns – largely spurred by people who were looking for fun and enjoyable things that they could do with their families in a safe environment.
The crush of buyers was so strong that dealers struggled to keep boats in stock while manufacturers had to ramp up production to attempt to keep up with the demand.
Even the showroom floor at Manteca’s Bass Pro Shops has been sparse as people start looking to the outdoors for fun and safe activities for their families and close friends.
Last year the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office issued 64 citations for boating under the influence – which is virtually the same as driving under the influence in terms of penalties – and there were 3 boating-related fatalities within the agency’s jurisdiction.
“Working together, we can bring those numbers down,” the sheriff’s office said.
Those hitting the water this weekend are urged to also make sure that their vessel is stocked with life jackets – everybody under the age of 13 on a boat must wear a life jacket at all times – as well as a throwable cushion or ring, a working fire extinguisher, and current registration.
All boat operators in California 40 or younger must also possess a California Boater Card. For more information about how to obtain one, visit www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.
