Email List

WEDDING GIVEAWAYCBS12 RADARROAD TRIPPINCBS NEWS LIVESUN SENTINELCRIME TRACKER
WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Palm Beach County News - Lake Worth paddleboarder issued fine for  riding without safety equipment

Lake Worth paddleboarder issued fine for riding without safety equipment

LAKE WORTH, Fla. -- It's common knowledge passengers on board boats and personal watercrafts must have life vests. But did you know the law also applies to standup paddleboards?

It may seem ridiculous, but under U.S. Coast Guard regulation, stand up paddleboards are considered vessels. If you're riding one without the proper safety equipment you could get a ticket and that has some people very upset.

It's something Amy Hair has been enjoying for the last four years, riding her stand-up paddleboard on Lake Osborne. But this is the first time she's actually been stopped by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Patrol officers for apparently breaking the law.

Amy Hair: We were pushing each other in the water having a great time, and I got a warning for not having the standard equipment for a stand-up paddleboard.

That's because in 2008 the U.S. Coast Guard decided to classify paddleboards as vessels, which means paddleboard riders are now required to have four safety items.

Amy Hair: I have to have a lifeguard approved vest, I have to have a flashlight, a flare, or a visual distress signal and a whistle.

Hair believes the new law goes overboard, especially since the water barely comes up to her waist.

For now officials say they'll be issuing warnings to paddleboarders who don't meet the requirements. But repeat offenders could face a fine of $90. Although she disagrees with the law, Hair plans to comply.

Technically, paddleboarders aren't required to wear a life jacket, but they must have it on board. And there's not really much room on a paddleboard for a life jacket unless you're wearing it.Lake Worth paddleboarder issued fine for riding without safety equipment

Wednesday, July 11 2012, 12:59 AM EDT

Palm Beach County Stories

WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: Advertise with us!

 
  • WPEC :: News - Road Trippin

    Road Trippin

    Come Road Trippin' with us!
  • WPEC :: News - The Greek's Trifecta

    The Greek's Trifecta

    Prognostication, travel and women are The Greek's strong suits as well as his vices. Listen as The Greek breaks down the lines on the biggest games of the week for CBS12.
  • WPEC :: News - In Your Corner

    In Your Corner

    CBS12 News has Florida Gov. Rick Scott "In Your Corner," answering your questions. Ask a question in the Facebook commenting window below or email it to newstips@cbs12.com.
  • WPEC :: News - Town Hall

    Town Hall

    Watch the Aug. 23, 2012 town hall meeting on issues affecting South Florida.
  • WPEC :: News - Spot Crime

    Spot Crime

    Search for any crime within a 5-mile radius of your home!
  • WPEC :: News - Health Care Reform

    Health Care Reform

    The Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act sparked a new battle. Check here daily for the latest developments, locally and across the country.
  • WPEC :: News - Trending with Tracy

    Trending with Tracy

    Tracy St. George, a South Florida DJ for WRMF, delivers the hottest celebrity news weekly on CBS12's Trending with Tracy.

  • WPEC :: News - CBS12 Dolphins Extra

    CBS12 Dolphins Extra

    Get the inside scoop on the Miami Dolphins with CBS12's Josh Samuels and Pat Murphy.
  • WPEC :: News - Wednesday's Weather Kid

    Wednesday's Weather Kid

    Welcome to Wednesday's Weather Kid on CBS12's Good Morning South Florida! Here we let middle schoolers produce a "bus stop forecast" each Wednesday. Contact Robin Cross at rcross@cbs12.com for info on ...
  • WPEC :: News - Washington Guardian

    Washington Guardian

    The Washington Guardian is an online newspaper committed to providing watchdog journalism from the nation's capital aimed at safeguarding everyday Americans' tax dollars, security and freedoms.
  • WPEC :: News - Your Voice. Your Future.

    Your Voice. Your Future.

    As the country faces challenges from federal budget issues to jobs and national debt, your voice is critical to the future.
  • WPEC :: News - Waste Watch

    Waste Watch

    How are your tax dollars being spent? Waste Watch tracks whether local, state and federal governments or any groups are using your money wisely...or wasting it.
  • WPEC :: News - Top Stories

    Top Stories

    Get up to the minute information from South Florida and the Treasure Coast in our Top Stories section!
  • WPEC :: News - Newscast Links

    Newscast Links

    Get links and contact information from items mentioned in our newscasts!
  • WPEC :: News - Tech-Xperts

    Tech-Xperts

    Get tips and advice on everything tech related, from smartphones, gadgets and online security to Twitter topics and Facebook news and tips!
  • WPEC :: News - Treasure Coast

    Treasure Coast

    Watch local news videos and read news stories happening in Treasure Coast!
  • WPEC :: News - Palm Beach County

    Palm Beach County

    Watch local news videos and read news stories happening in Palm Beach County!
  • WPEC :: News - News Tips

    News Tips

    Do you have a lead on a good news tip or want to share a story idea? Let us know!
  • WPEC :: News - Raw News

    Raw News

    See the news as it happened, raw and unedited!
  • WPEC :: News - CBS 12 News LIVE Stream

    CBS 12 News LIVE Stream

    Watch LIVE CBS 12 newscasts and breaking news as it happens here!
  • WPEC :: News - Traffic Links

    Traffic Links

    Get links and information on traffic conditions, rail information and arrival and departure information for PBIA, MIA and FLL!
  • WPEC :: News - PBC Mugshot Roundup

    PBC Mugshot Roundup

    View a selection of mugshots from the Palm Beach County Jail's portrait studio, via a publicly available online booking search.
  • WPEC :: News - Sex Offender Mapping

    Sex Offender Mapping

    Search for any registered sexual offender or predator within a 5-mile radius of your home!
  • WPEC :: News - Product Recalls

    Product Recalls

    Get the latest recalls on autos, child safety seats, consumer products and FDA food and drugs recalls!
  • WPEC :: News - Forever Family

    Forever Family

    Watch videos and read stories of local people and families in need!
  • WPEC :: News - The Dwyer Awards

    The Dwyer Awards

    The William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County.


  • WPEC :: News - Live Feed

    Live Feed

    Watch the CBS News Live Feed for news stories as they happen!
  • WPEC :: News - National and World News

    National and World News

    Get the latest headlines from across the nation and around the world.
  • WPEC :: News - Pet of the Day

    Pet of the Day

    Watch our "Pet of the Day" videos for adorable pets that need a loving home!
  • WPEC :: News - Pump Patrol

    Pump Patrol

    Find the lowest gas prices in West Palm Beach, get fuel saving tips, price trends and check out nationwide gas price averages!

more »

Tonight on CBS12

8:00 PM
NCIS

9:00 PM
NCIS: Los Angeles

10:00 PM
Vegas
Complete Schedule»