Age Limit Law

[Bill Huson]

Back in the good ol' days . . .

when kids could take to the water at any age, there were no kill switchs on the outboards, and I can't recall ever wearing a life vest or ski belt when surfing behind the boat on a variety of makeshift water toys because wearing one wasn't required! I do recall wearing jeans and a long sleeve T because if you fell off the jellyfish would eat you up if you were showing bare skin. My boat didn't have nav lights. My folks denied my boat that feature because if I had nav lights I probably never would come back to port until the school year started, and even then I might have second thoughts - school = ick!

Looking back on all those dangerous years I am now a fan of safety rules, but like to see an "out" for the young `uns like being able to leave port in their own watercraft if they take a boating safety course. And I will vote for any sleazey politico who promises to provide adequate funding to offer safety courses.

[acr924]

My folks denied my boat that feature because if I had nav lights I probably never would come back to port until the school year started, and even then I might have second thoughts - school = ick!

Looking back on all those dangerous years I am now a fan of safety rules, but like to see an "out" for the young `uns like being able to leave port in their own watercraft if they take a boating safety course. And I will vote for any sleazey politico who promises to provide adequate funding to offer safety courses.

First of all, Bill, weren't/arent' you a school teacher? haha

Secondly, I'm not sure if this is correct...but doesn't the law apply to children under 16 that haven't taken a boating course? If J racers take a course would they still be able to race?

Allie Runne

[Bill Huson]

hahahahaha . . .

Yes, Allie, I taught Jr Hi math for several years, and now I teach folks how to ride motorcycles, next *classroom* at Craven Co CC. This does not imply that I was in love with school as a wee pup. It was school - and for some strange reason the lure of freedom on the river was far more enticing.

Not sure about all states and their local regs, but in NC if a child takes a boating safety course and passes they can operate a watercraft at age 12. That still leaves J drivers from age 9-11 on the beach. We need a proactive lobby effort from the APBA to have sanctioned racing evenst exempted from these rules.

[acr924]

Yes, Allie, I taught Jr Hi math for several years, and now I teach folks how to ride motorcycles, next *classroom* at Craven Co CC. This does not imply that I was in love with school as a wee pup. It was school - and for some strange reason the lure of freedom on the river was far more enticing.

Not sure about all states and their local regs, but in NC if a child takes a boating safety course and passes they can operate a watercraft at age 12. That still leaves J drivers from age 9-11 on the beach. We need a proactive lobby effort from the APBA to have sanctioned racing evenst exempted from these rules.

Well, if I graduate early my Senior year and take classes over at Craven for a semester before UNC, like I planned, maybe I'll take your motorcyle course!
And I told my friends that live in Brice's Creek that "someone from the races" is moving down there. So, they want to meet you. HA!

But in NC it's not a problem, since racing is exempt from this rule..I think. oh well, I don't race anyway.
What about in NJ, where this law is just resurfacing, if they take a boating course, does it matter what age they are?

Allie Runne