KS Fishing Regulations 21 VENDOR.qxp_Kansas Fishing Regulations 2/12/21 2:53 PM Page 17
BOATING NOTE: Any person under age 21 must complete an approved boater safety education course before operating a motorboat or sailboat on public waters in Kansas without being under direct and audible supervision. The law applies equally to residents and nonresidents. Get the Kansas Boating Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold and at ksoutdoors.com.
REGULATION CHANGES: PFDs (LIFE-JACKETS) The U.S. Coast Guard has initiated changes to the rules involving labeling of personal floatation devices, also known as life jackets. The following should help explain these changes coming in Kansas regulations. The traditional life jacket “types categories” have gone away. This includes the Type I, II, III and IV wearable life jackets and the Type IV, throwable. Older labeled life jacket using the Type classification will still be legal only if U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good serviceable condition, of the proper size/fit and worn in compliance with the label of the jacket. The new labeling requirement falls into one of two categories, “wearable” and “throwable”. Wearable life jackets will be divided into five buoyancy categories: 50, 70, 100, 150, and 275 Newtons (metric to harmonize with Canadian standards). Choose the level of buoyancy for the type of activity. A higher number equals to greater buoyancy. Make sure the label states the jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved. Although a level 50 life jacket may be an available life jacket on the market, it will most likely not be a U.S. Coast Guard approved floatation device, so be vigilant in reading labels. The curved arrow indicates that the jacket is likely to turn an unconscious wearer face up in the water. A slash through the curve means the jacket will not perform this function. For comparisons, the Type I jacket would carry either a rating of 100 or 150 Newtons and would upright an unconscious victim. The type II jacket would carry a rating of 70 newtons and would upright an unconscious victim. The type III jacket would also carry a rating of 70 newtons but would not be able to turn an unconscious victim with the face out of the water. A type IV throwable is labeled as a throwable device. The type V jacket, also known as a special purpose vest may meet either a Type I, II, or III standard, but would now be either a 70, 100, 150 Newton rating with special icons to support the activity it is designed for.
Any vessel propelled by sail or machinery of any kind (including trolling motors) used on Kansas public waters must be registered. Boat registration fees are $42.50 for a three-year registration for all motor- or sail-propelled boats. Any boat required to be registered must have a Certificate of Registration on board and properly displayed registration numbers. All boats, including kayaks and canoes, must be equipped with at least one wearable, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) – serviceable and readily accessible –
for each person on board or being towed. Persons 12 years and younger are required to wear PFDs when on board or being towed by any vessel. In addition, boats 16 feet and longer, except kayaks and canoes, must be equipped with at least one throwable PFD on board. This applies to all vessels, and such devices must be readily accessible. Motorboats may be used on state fishing lakes for fishing and hunting only, unless otherwise posted.
SIZE AND FIT
Check label for user weight and chest size. Different body types float differently. A good fit is secure, comfortable, and adjustable.
Higher Number increases time to rescue.
PERFORMANCE
Lower number offers greater mobility, comfort, and style with good floatation for most people. Higher number offers greater floatation, turning, and stability in the water.
Near Shore (Calm Waves)
RISK MANAGEMENT
In over 80 percent of boating fatalities, the person was not wearing floatation. Most of these are sudden falls overboard or capsize of a smaller boat. The first moments in the water are critical, even for Offshore (Large Waves) experienced swimmers. Questions Cold water shock causes gasping, loss of muscle control and about upcoming changes swim failure. (316) 683-8069 Long term immersion in cold water requires thermal protection (620) 672-0770 and floatation position to conserve energy. No Turn Turns Most
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