CHEYENNE - With boating season in full swing, there are some things boaters need to be aware of to stay safe, and avoid costly fines.

"The five most common violations are consistent from year to year," says Mike Choma, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s law enforcement supervisor. "We want people to be aware of the laws and to follow them. Many are in place for their safety and the safety of their passengers."

1. Failure to provide adequate personal flotation devices (PFDs), commonly known as life jackets, for all persons aboard a watercraft. "PFDs are an important part of the safety equipment that must be on board every boat. While we recommend that boaters wear their PFD, the law requires that a coast guard approved PFD of the correct size for every passenger be readily accessible," says Choma. "We had 182 enforcement actions related to the lack of PFDs in 2005. We’d like to see this number decrease as people become more aware of boating safety." The fine for not having a PFD for every person on board is $110, the cost of not having one, "could be the life of a loved one."

2. Failure to provide a type IV throwable device for boats 16 feet and over in length. Type IV devices include throwable buoyant cushions and ring buoys. "These are important so that if anyone ends up in the water, those on board the watercraft can quickly get aid to them," says Choma. "Wyoming’s waters are very cold and immediate aid can make a significant difference in the survival of individuals participating in water sports."

3. Operate an unnumbered motorboat/ fail to provide registration. Any boat with a motor must be registered and must have the assigned number affixed to the boat. Decals indicating the year of registration expiration must be displayed on each side of the motorboat in a specific and visible manner. "It costs $15 annually or $40 for a three-year registration," said Choma. "This is cheaper than the $60 fine for not registering a watercraft."

4. Failure to provide a fire extinguisher on boats with fixed gas tanks or closed compartments. Although there were only 74 enforcement actions related to failing to provide a fire extinguisher, ramifications if a fire were to occur on a boat would be drastic.

5. Failure to operate watercraft in accordance with buoys or markers. Buoys, markers and regularity signs signify restricted areas, danger areas and other information pertaining to watercraft operation. Boating regulations are provided with all boat registrations, and they provide information on what to look for and how to respond.

Boating under the influence did not make the top five list, but accidents involving boaters who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are gruesome, and preventable.

"Even one preventable accident where someone is injured or killed is too many," said Choma. "We urge boaters to use common sense and follow the regulations that are in place for their well-being. Play safe this boating season."

(contact: Michelle Zitek (307) 745-4046 or Mike Choma (307) 473-3400)