Boating safety is key over hot July 4 weekend

EUGENE, Ore. -- The heat has folks flocking to the water to cool off.

Before you go, you need the lowdown on the law.

Tubing, rafting, kayaking, boating: whatever your mode of transportation on the river, there are rules.
    
Any large floatation device like a raft counts as a boat under Oregon law. Everyone inside must follow boating rules. That means not being intoxicated and always having life vests nearby.

"If it's got more than one cell in it, more than one air cell, then it's technically a water craft," said John Miller with Lane County Search and Rescue.

Boaters over 12 must have a life vest within reach but do not have to wear it.

Children under 12 must wear it at all times.

Tubers don't have to have one at all.

Life vests go for $15 to $20 bucks or more. Tickets for not having one are $243.

"If you don't have the proper equipment on yoru boat it's a citation, plain and simple," Miller said. "It's like running a stop sign or something like that. It's a mandatory cite."

What about beer?

"That's OK," Miller said, "but we don't recommend it."

But if you're controlling your vessel -- that means behind the wheel or with a paddle -- you can't be intoxicated.

The fine for boating under the influence? Up to $6,250.

Miller said the sheriff will be patrolling over these hot days -- and will write tickets.

"We want them to have fun," he said. "We want them to be safe."