Paddleboard Safety and Regulations

I always enjoy having a meal at a restaurant with an ocean view and seeing the paddleboarders floating by, but I always wonder about paddleboard safety and regulations pertaining to them.  When you see them out on the water you know they are in good shape to do this sport.  Many of them go out on their boards several times a week and could paddle for several miles.  This takes strength and endurance and an enjoyment of the sport.

There are many water sports for people to enjoy.  Besides swimming, people can enjoy:  sailboats - large and small, motorboats - large and small, kayaking - paddle and peddle, outriggers, surfing, and paddleboarding.  All of these sports are enjoyed in coastal waters around many cities.  Because of the large volume of participants, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued rules and regulations over the years that allows for the safe operation of all sports equipment on the water.  There are Coast Guard vessels up and down the coast to enforce the rules for public safety.  If they break these rules and regulations, the Coast Guard can issue a citation.

Paddleboarding is a fairly new and growing sport.  Out on the water, paddleboarders are difficult to see by boats.  Because of this, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued paddleboard safety and regulations.  Paddleboards, flat boards powered by someone standing up on the board using a single oar to maneuver through the water, have now been classified as a vessel. Because of this classification, paddleboarders must now wear a life jacket and have a sound-producing device such as a whistle.  If the paddleboarder takes the board out at night, he or she will have to have visual distress signals and proper navigation lights on board.  This is a new classification so many paddleboarders are unaware of it.  If a paddleboarder is cited by the Coast Guard the citation will cost $250.00.  Fortunately, the Coast Guard typically allows someone to fix a safety problem before issuing a citation.

Paddleboards can be purchased from many sources and for different prices.  I saw one offered for sale at Costco for a very reasonable price.  Hopefully, a brochure on paddleboard safety and regulations are included when the paddleboard is first purchased, but if not be sure to contact the U.S. Coast Guard for the information.