Oregon State Marine Board News

Oregon's Recreational Boating Agency

P. O. Box 14145 Salem, Oregon 97309-5065
Phone: (503) 378-8587 Fax: (503) 378-4597

Media Contact: Randy Henry, ext. 247 Home Page: www.osmb.state.or.us

Date: Friday, May 14, 1999

For Immediate Release

Personal Watercraft Reminder: Age Limit 16 to Ride Alone

The rain continues to fall and the water is still high and cold, but soon - very soon - the sun will come out prompting water enthusiasts to dust off the Jet Skis and Wave Runners and head to the nearest boat ramp.

"There are some regulatory changes waiting for personal watercraft users this year," says Randy Henry, of the Oregon State Marine Board. "For one, you must be 16 or older to ride a PWC alone. And if you intend to rent a PWC, you must be at least 18 years old." Riders younger than 16 can still drive the craft if accompanied by a person 18 or older. As always, PWC riders must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life vests while riding.

The new rules were adopted by the Oregon Marine Board in January and are designed to stem the increasing number of accidents involving young, inexperienced riders. The number of fast, agile craft has risen from 800 in 1988 to more than 13,000 registered craft in 1998. "These craft are fast, fun and easy to ride. It's also easy to get hurt on them. We encourage riders to get safety training and learn boating courtesy and rules of the road," says Henry. Classes are available throughout the state or can be completed via home study with the Marine Board's Oregon Boating Basics safe boating course. Contact the Marine Board at (503) 373-8587, or check the Marine Board web site at www.osmb.state.or.us for more information.

Updated 05/14/99