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WA: Thousands sign petition against Washington bill that would impose new safety rules for kayaks
KING5 TV Seattle ^ | Feb 1, 2021 | Megan Carroll

Posted on 02/03/2021 10:32:58 AM PST by llevrok

SPOKANE, Wash. — Thousands have signed a petition urging the Washington Legislature to "say no" to a bill that would put new safety rules in place for kayakers, standup paddleboarders and others.

House Bill 1018 would require anyone operating a "human-powered" vessel in Washington to take a boater education course and purchase a boater education card for $10. This means kayaks, canoes, rafts, standup paddleboards and other vessels would fall under the same set of rules as motorboats in the state.

Five Washington state representatives are sponsoring the bill. It was introduced in the House on Jan. 11, 2021 and has since been referred to the the Committee on Community and Economic Development.

Under the bill, anyone without a boater education in their possession would be subject to an infraction. The penalty would be waived if the boater provided proof to the court within 60 days that they received a boater education card.

More than 11,000 people have signed a Change.org petition against the bill in two weeks. Scott Holley, the man who started the petition, says the requirements would "create unnecessary burdens on Washington residents in ways that will make it more difficult for lower-income individuals to participate."

"Paddling is an ideal sport for the COVID-19 era. It promotes physical as well as mental health," the petition reads. "We should be encouraging and not discouraging outdoor paddlesport recreation."


TOPICS: Government; US: Washington
KEYWORDS: idiots; taxes
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To: llevrok

“Progressivism” actually means a progressive and unending increase of laws and taxes governing virtually every aspect of life. This particular law was probably lobbied for by the people who will provide the mandated training.


21 posted on 02/03/2021 10:51:06 AM PST by Steve_Seattle
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To: llevrok

Not sure what they’re complaining about as I suspect that most kayakers vote Democrat.


22 posted on 02/03/2021 10:53:46 AM PST by BobL (TheDonald.win is now Patriots.win)
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To: llevrok

Since most kayakers and paddle-boarders are white devils, perhaps they should just ban these watersports...OR POC are exempt from the tax because social justice/white privilege.


23 posted on 02/03/2021 10:55:33 AM PST by PROCON (Molon Labe)
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To: llevrok

At Green Lake in north Seattle, there is (or was, I’m not sure if it’s still there) a boat-rental business where you can rent canoes or rowboats, and maybe kayaks. I’m not sure, but I think they require lifejackets, which they provide, maybe for an extra fee. This bill would probably put them out of business because every customer would need to have one of these licenses.


24 posted on 02/03/2021 10:56:14 AM PST by Steve_Seattle
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To: llevrok

I think that’s a great idea, but only if the used the fund to pay for search and rescue, or recovery efforts. I think they should do the same for other extreme sports participants instead of our tax dollars used to go find these folks when the bad things happen.

Unfortunately they will use these fees for other social service programs


25 posted on 02/03/2021 10:56:24 AM PST by shotgun
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To: ActresponsiblyinVA

“To be safe they should lower the speed limit to 25 MPH.”

Would that be statute miles, or knots?


26 posted on 02/03/2021 10:57:21 AM PST by dsc (Evil doesn’t have a day job.)
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To: BobL
"Not sure what they’re complaining about as I suspect that most kayakers vote Democrat."

I wouldn't be surprised. Kayaking seems to be an approved pastime in the corporate world. TV commercials often depict kayakers - often retired people - as part of a "healthy lifestyle" supported by their product. Yoga practitioners, meditators, and Tai Chi practitioners are also frequently depicted, but you're unlikely to see a Christian except in Mike Lindell's commercials.
27 posted on 02/03/2021 11:00:52 AM PST by Steve_Seattle
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To: jimtorr

So if you fall overboard from some boat, and are wearing a life vest, and paddle to shore . . . .

Are you a ‘human powered vessel?”

And without your Card, you are arrested?

Oh, maybe they mean vassal.


28 posted on 02/03/2021 11:17:20 AM PST by Scrambler Bob (This is not /s. It is just as viable as any MSM 'information', maybe more so!)
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To: dsc

And the course you have to take to get the $10 card will not be free.

Probably only Dems will be approved to run the courses.


29 posted on 02/03/2021 11:19:20 AM PST by Scrambler Bob (This is not /s. It is just as viable as any MSM 'information', maybe more so!)
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To: llevrok

Yep, they should be forced to buy and mount EPIRBs next to their life rafts. Carry marine band FM radio, radar with GPS and sonar Also each individual must have a Survival Suit. What’s good for the goose (commercial fishermen) is good for the gander (sport boaters).


30 posted on 02/03/2021 11:20:02 AM PST by PIF (They came for me and mine ... now its your turn)
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To: shotgun
I think they should do the same for other extreme sports participants instead of our tax dollars used to go find these folks when the bad things happen.

There is nothing particularly extreme about kayaking, canoeing, rowing a row boat... unless you live in a basement and are afraid of things like butterflies or conifers.

31 posted on 02/03/2021 11:20:05 AM PST by Sirius Lee (They intend to murder us. Prep if you want to live and live like you are prepping for eternal life)
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To: PIF

Yep, pedestrians should be forced to buy safety helmets and get licenses and insurance in order to walk on public throughways, whether sidewalks, or next to roads.


32 posted on 02/03/2021 11:22:45 AM PST by Sirius Lee (They intend to murder us. Prep if you want to live and live like you are prepping for eternal life)
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To: BobL
Ha!!...

I'd guess you are wrong...but who knows.

33 posted on 02/03/2021 11:23:37 AM PST by Osage Orange (TRUMP!!!)
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To: llevrok

I actually support this.
Same with taxing bikers and making them follow traffic rules.

“Human powered” does not mean “No rules apply”.


34 posted on 02/03/2021 11:23:43 AM PST by redgolum (If this culture today is civilization, I will be the barbarian)
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To: llevrok

Many states already have those rules, and they are enforced by the same agency that does motor boat enforcement.

Try using a Kayak without registration or license on the interior waterways of most Midwest states. Game and Parks (or similar agency) will be on you like white on rice.

Why? To many kayakers getting in the way of bigger boats and getting hurt. Well, that and boondoggle money.


35 posted on 02/03/2021 11:27:01 AM PST by redgolum (If this culture today is civilization, I will be the barbarian)
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To: Sirius Lee

Ok smart ass.


36 posted on 02/03/2021 11:31:32 AM PST by shotgun
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To: llevrok

6000 pedestrians are killed each year in the United States. Clearly there is a need for walking licenses and official government training.


37 posted on 02/03/2021 11:32:23 AM PST by Billthedrill
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To: redgolum

“I actually support this”

I agree with you. Every motion, device, and human should be taxed, licensed and controlled.

/s


38 posted on 02/03/2021 11:32:38 AM PST by Cold Heart
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To: Sirius Lee

Yep, pedestrians should be forced to buy safety helmets and get licenses and insurance in order to walk on public throughways, whether sidewalks, or next to roads.


Adding roll bars would be a good idea also.


39 posted on 02/03/2021 11:34:43 AM PST by PIF (They came for me and mine ... now its your turn)
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To: llevrok

Luckily, at the same time we are creating the water safety police we will defund them, so it’s all good.


40 posted on 02/03/2021 11:37:19 AM PST by E. Pluribus Unum (You are in far greater danger from authoritarian government than you are from a seasonal virus.)
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