Name:   Capt M Brooks - Subject:   Paddle Board Requirements Date:   7/13/2012 4:57:34 PM

UNLESS or UNTIL the commissioner promulgates a regulation or the legislature enacts a law dealing specifically with paddle boards, our position is that it is a vessel and that the following are required:

- A U.S.C.G-approved personal flotation device must be on board for each occupant

- Children under the age of 8 must wear their PFDs at all times when on board

- If the paddle board is operated between sunset and sunrise, a flashlight or lantern must be on board to be presented by the operator in time to prevent a collision with other vessels

We have not had a major law overhaul since 1994, and in 18 years a lot has changed in boating/recreational water use. There are several other fairly new inventions/sports that are going to have to be addressed in the near future, so maybe this subject will be as well. We in the field are recommending it, at least.

For now we are writing warnings to those we find without the required equipment for a first offense.