The state of Utah is
proposing to
eliminate their current rule that allows boaters to bring a throw bag on trips instead of a
throwable personal flotation device. Federal Coast Guard
rules require that all boats greater than 16
feet in length contain a throwable PFD. Utah's rule allowing throw bags better accomplishes
safety goals than the Coast Guard rules, however the state has determined that they do not have
the authority to waive the Coast Guard requirements. If Utah eliminates their rule, rafters with
16+ foot boats will once again have to carry a throwable PFD.
American Whitewater would like to see the state of Utah and the Coast Guard work together to
change the Coast Guard's rules as they relate to river travel in order to allow for a throw
bag to be carried instead of a throwable PFD. Utah's existing policy seems like a superior
one to us, and we'd like to see it adopted nationally rather than eliminated.
Paddlers that have an opinion on this proposed rule change are encouraged to contact Tammy Wright
by e-mail at tammywright@utah.gov and to cc the National Boating Safety Advisory
Committee (NBSAC) at NBSAC@uscg.mil. Written comments
could include the following request: "I would like to see the state of Utah and the
Coast Guard work together to change the Coast Guard's rules as they relate to whitewater
river travel in order to allow for a throw bag to be carried instead of a throwable PFD. It would
be great if the CFR Title 33 Subsection 175.15 could include an exemption from the requirement to
carry a Type IV PFD or throwable PFD for vessels on river sections where PFDs are required to be
worn, if a throw bag with a minimum of 40 feet of line is carried.”
