This Summer, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Recreational Boat Safety Patrol are out to educate and enforce boating safety. There is an increased emphasis on proper use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), or life jackets. Statewide, 12 people have died operating paddle craft without a PFD in 2021.
Deputy Michael King of the RBSP talks about the program, and the role it plays in keeping our waterways safe.
The WCSO RBSP focuses on marine safety and boating violations, and provides training and education on how to safely operate watercraft. The RBSP has 19 patrol deputies that perform marine safety education and enforcement on saltwater, rivers, and lakes in the County. Each patrol deputy receives annual training and is certified by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The RBSP is funded by a portion of vessel registration fees.
To learn more, visit the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Parks websites.