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."
“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.
Not sure what they’re complaining about as I suspect that most kayakers vote Democrat.
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.
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.
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
“To be safe they should lower the speed limit to 25 MPH.”
Would that be statute miles, or knots?
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
I'd guess you are wrong...but who knows.
I actually support this.
Same with taxing bikers and making them follow traffic rules.
“Human powered” does not mean “No rules apply”.
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.
Ok smart ass.
6000 pedestrians are killed each year in the United States. Clearly there is a need for walking licenses and official government training.
“I actually support this”
I agree with you. Every motion, device, and human should be taxed, licensed and controlled.
/s
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.
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Adding roll bars would be a good idea also.
Luckily, at the same time we are creating the water safety police we will defund them, so it’s all good.
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