LAKE STEVENS — When Lake Stevens police Officer Jim Barnes is patrolling his community’s namesake lake he frequently asks boat operators one particular question.
“If they appear 30 years or younger one of the first questions I ask is, ‘Do you have your boating education card?’ ” he said.
Sometimes the card is readily available, and the boaters are free to enjoy the 700-acre lake. Other times, boaters are unaware of a state law passed in 2005. It requires that operators of boats with motors of 15 horsepower or more to complete a boater safety education course.
The law was implemented in 2008 for boaters ages 12 to 20 and will be phased in by age groups throughout 2014. This year, all boat operators who are 30 and younger are required to have a Boater Safety Education Card. Boat operators are exempt from the law if they were born before Jan. 1, 1955, which includes those now 56 or older.
People who don’t have the card when they are asked to show it to an officer on Lake Stevens and other state waters are provided with information about how to obtain one. They also are subject to a $87 fine, Barnes said.
“It’s a great program,” he said. “It really helps educate about the laws and regulations of boating.”
Since July, 62,817 cards have been issued in the state, according to A.J. Parlan with the Washington State Parks boating program. The cost of the card is $10. A list of approved courses — classrooms, online and at home — is available at the Washington State Parks website, www.parks.wa.gov/boating/boatered/.
Boaters operating their vessels on Lake Stevens must also:
Observe no-wake zones near boat launches and docks. The north cove area at the east end of Lake Stevens is considered a no-wake zone after 1 p.m. Other no-wake zones are located 100 feet out from the lake’s shore and docks.
Carry sound-producing devices such as horns or whistles. Vessels with internal combustion motors also are required to carry fire extinguishers.
Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are required for each person aboard vessels that are not exempt from carrying personal flotation devices by law. Rowing shells are exempt from having to carry flotation devices because they are designed for racing.
Vessels that are 16 feet or longer also must carry a Coast Guard-approved throwable personal flotation device.
There are no restrictions on the size or type of boats that can be used on Lake Stevens, Barnes said, although most vessels on the lake are 26 feet or smaller. The Lake Stevens Police Department can close boat launches when the lake is under heavy use, Barnes added.
“We have the authority to shut down boat launches if we feel traffic is too busy,” he said.
The Lake Stevens Police Department has 19 certified boating officers and three patrol vessels. The department keeps a boat on the water at all times and has a crew onboard four days a week.
Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491; adaybert@heraldnet.com.
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