On a stand-up paddleboard without a life jacket? Not only risky, but a possible hefty fine, DCSO warns

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those recreating on the water this summer of the proper safety equipment necessary to enjoy their time on, in and around the waterways here in Central Oregon.

The Oregon Revised Statute pertaining to Personal Flotation Device usage is ORS 830.215. It states that all boats operated on Oregon waterways must have one Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket on board for each person on the boat. 

Children 12 years and under must be wearing the life jacket when the boat is underway. The life jacket must be readily accessible to those over the age of 12. It must also be sized for the person, so it functions properly to support them in the water. 

Violation of ORS 830.215 is a class D violation with a fine of $115 if the person is an adult or a class B violation with a fine of $265 if the situation is a child 12 years and under without a life jacket or not wearing it while underway. 

"The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol are seeing many people operating stand-up paddleboards without any PFD on board," Sergeant Jason Wall said recently. The Oregon Marine Board defines a stand-up paddleboard as a boat, therefore requiring a PFD.

It is recommended that paddlers on moving water like the Deschutes River need to have a quick release on the leash or not use it. Paddlers on lakes need to use the leash to keep the board from blowing away after they fall off.

More information is available at Oregon State Marine Board : Home : State of Oregon