Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed into legislation yesterday a new law that will require all children 13 years of age and under to wear lifejackets (personal flotation devices) while boating on state waterways - including Deep Creek Lake. The previous regulation only required children 7 years of age and under to wear lifejackets while on a boat that is underway. This new age requirement for PFDs goes into effect immediately.
Going into effect later this year (October 1st) is new legislation that impacts the requirements of children operating boats on Deep Creek Lake and all other state waterways who are 16 years of age and under. The new law will require children under the age of 16 to possess a certificate of boating safety education before they can operate a boat AND (1) either be supervised by someone 18 years or older who is also aboard the boat, or (2) be supervised by someone 16 years or older with a boating safety certificate who is aboard the boat. Children between the ages of 12 and 16 years will no longer be able to operate a boat by themselves with just a boating safety certificate - the new law essentially requires supervision by someone older who must be aboard the boat while the younger person is driving.
While boating accidents are very, very rare on Deep Creek Lake, these new laws are aimed to improve overall safety and to get Maryland more in line with other states and federal laws.
If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350
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