BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — With the heat comes many people cooling down in and on the water.
Marine deputies say they see paddle boarders and kayakers making some of the same mistakes over and over, and that is because most people do not know much about Idaho paddlesport laws and what is required when they are on the water.
"They're a lot less expensive. They're easy to get your hands onto. Costco sells them, and it's a lot of fun, but a lot of people don't understand that there are some pieces of safety equipment mandated that need to be on there," said marine patrol deputy Hyrum Jones.
You must have three things when on a kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or other non-motorized vessel.
Every person needs to have access to a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
"Lifejackets is one we'll constantly educate people on," Jones said.
If you are 14 or younger, you must have it on while the craft moves.
"We don't want to drown, so that's why we have a life jacket," said 9-year-old Daria Rodriguez.
Marine deputies suggest no matter what, always have one on when you are on the water.
"It's like a seatbelt. You don't throw on a seatbelt right before you get in a crash. You don't know when you're going to get thrown off a boat. You don't know when you're going to collide into something. It's just best to have it on," Jones said.
You also need a sound-producing device, like a whistle or horn, to call for help if you are in trouble.
The third thing is an invasive species sticker.
Those funds help the state Department of Agriculture prevent or fight an invasive species coming to Idaho.
"A lot of our surrounding states that have problems with invasive species, where they clog up their dams and their power plants, and it costs a lot of money to be able to fight that," Jones said. "So far, to this date, we've been lucky enough we have not had invasive species in Idaho.
You can get one through Idaho Parks and Recreation website or at any Idaho state park.
You could get a $72 fine if you do not have one.
"Those are just three things, and we often find people don't know they're required," Jones said.
He says a big reason is that people are not required to take a boater safety course, where you learn what's necessary to be safe on the water.
"When you don't know any better, then that's what you end up with, is just a lack of knowledge of what you need to be safe out on the water," Jones said. "Within that six hours, you gain so much information and respect for the water."
You can find more on all things boater and non-motorized vessel safety, including registration for free boater safety classes, on Idaho Parks and Recreation's website.
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