Officials remind boaters to be safe this Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend is also a time when many boaters start to take to the waters.

News 11’s hit the waves with the Imperial County Sheriff’s for an update on boating safety and the new laws soon coming into effect.

“Starting this year and coming 2018, we’ll be educating boaters on a new law that will be coming into effect. California registered boaters need to have a California boating safety card,” said Sergeant Camilo Gonzalez with the Imperial County Sherriff’s Office.

The card is similar to a driver’s license and classes will be available online.

“Any operator of a boat needs to have the card or they can be cited for an infraction for not having that card,” explained Gonzalez.

The new law will go into effect starting in 2018 and will last till 2025.

“Based on the age of the operator, it starts from 20 years of age and below, 2018. And gradually increases to all operators in the year 2025,” added Gonzalez.

One of the biggest problems boaters deal with is safety and being prepared when it comes to hitting the waters.

“Being on a boat that doesn’t have any breaks unlike a car, it becomes very dangerous when it comes to an accident or any other maneuvers on the water,” said Gonzalez.

Boaters like drivers can also earn a (BUI) boating under the influence, if not following the rules.

“A BUI is very similar to a dui, it is a misdemeanor, you could be arrested, your boat would be towed just like a car, and you have to go through the court process much like a dui with fines and possibly schoolings and other educational factors that come with boating,” said Gonzalez.

The Sheriff’s department advises anyone with questions when it comes to boating or boating safety, to simply get their attention and ask.

“We will be making arrests for drinking and driving, the primary focus is to keep everybody safe and having a good time on the river,” explained Gonzalez.