BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Dive, swim or paddle. People flock to Boise’s waterways to stay cool over summer. But not everyone wears a life jacket.
Idaho Code requires all people using kayaks, paddle boards, rafts and all other watercraft to have a life jacket on board at all times. For children 14 years old and under, they are required to wear them.
This law is no secret. You can find violation signs at both Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s pond.
“I think it is the most important thing when you’re around a body of water because it could take seconds to drown,” says Laura Johnston, a Boise resident.
For Lorna Mitson, this code is the No. 1 reason why she wears a life jacket.
“About the only time it really concerns me, I mean we own a boat. It’s children, I mean they just need to be wearing them all the time. So, I’m really concerned when I see children out in the middle of the pond without a life vest on,” Mitson said.
While this is state law, Boise Police says they generally do not patrol for life jackets. But if you are caught, a citation could cost you $84.
“I don’t think people understand how fast it takes to go from a really fun time, to a very critical time where your life may be at risk and even in calm flat water things can happen,” Johnston said.
If you go to Quinn’s Pond often, you see people often don’t have them on board.
"It’s important to keep our families safe by making sure we bring appropriate safety resources, including life jackets for kids, anytime you are headed out on any type of watercraft," says Haley Williams, spokeswoman for Boise Police.
Even for the older crowd, Boise police say you should at least have one within reach.
If you don’t have your own life jacket, Boise Parks and Recreation offers free life jackets at stands around the pond. If you are a family in need of free life jackets, you can fill out a form.
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