2005 California Boating Safety ReportA. New Laws
Removal of Abandoned Vessels
It is now easier for local agencies to remove abandoned vessels and other wrecked property. Specifically, the new law:
- Reduces the amount of time required before abandoned or wrecked property can be sold a public auction
- Allows a peace officer to remove a vessel from a public waterway with expired registration in excess of one year on which it was found on the waterway
- Increases fines for abandoning property, levies costs associated with removal of that property and includes possible imprisonment for abandoning property
- Increases the maximum estimated value of a vessel that is defined as unseaworthy that can be removed without independent appraisal.
Establishment of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail
The creation of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail will link access to the waters of San Francisco Bay and Suisun Marsh that are accessible for navigation by human-powered boats and beachable sail craft. The California Coastal Conservancy will lead a partnership of government, nonprofit groups, businesses, and all other interested parties, to plan and implement the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail.
Increase in Vessel Registration Fees
The two-year vessel registration renewal fee collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles has increased from $10 to $20. The money collected by the registration fees would be appropriated in the following ways:
- One-half would be continuously appropriated pursuant to existing law for law enforcement financial aid and for DMV administrative expenses
- One-half would be allocated, upon appropriation, to the Department of Boating and Waterways for expenditure in support of programs under the Department’s jurisdiction.
B. Program Enhancements
The Department created and produced two new 30-second radio messages, Angler Jack and No Brakes, addressing the importance of life jacket usage and safe speed respectively.
Media Outreach
Television Outreach to Anglers
The 2004 boating accident statistics revealed that one third of boating fatalities in California were fishing-related. Of these victims, all drowned and the majority were not wearing a life jacket.
Because of these findings, the Department decided to create a radio and television safety campaign specific to anglers. The key message encouraged anglers to not only wear life jackets when underway to fish, but also to continue to wear them while fishing.
In 2005, the Angler Jack and his Life Jacket television spot aired on the Outdoor Life Network and ESPN 2 over a nine week period between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. during fishing-related programming. Additionally, a complementary Angler Jack radio message was created and aired during fishing programs throughout the summer in four of California’s major boating markets. The spot ran for 14 weeks in San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, and 26 weeks in Sacramento.
Television Boating Safety Promotion
Premiering Labor Day 2005, the Department’s Boating Safety Awareness campaign forged a partnership between a local television news program, a local aquatic center, and the Department of Boating and Waterways to heighten awareness of boating safety in the San Diego area. Safety announcements were aired during the morning local newscast throughout the week leading up to the holiday weekend, and prime placement was provided on the station’s website for prize giveaways. The week culminated with “live” cut-in reporting during the Friday morning newscast featuring the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and an on-site life jacket giveaway.
Radio Messages
With the evolution of iPods and satellite radio, among other new technology, traditional radio stations shortened their commercial breaks to stay competitive. Therefore, two of the 2004 spots, Bev Lite and CO Kills, were converted into 30-second spots.
In addition, two new 30-second spots, Angler Jack and No Brakes, were created. These new spots were created to increase life jacket use for anglers (see Radio & Television Campaign for Anglers) and safe speed, respectively. These spots combined a humorous approach with a safe boating message.
Spanish Language
In 2005, a Sacramento Univision television station gave the Department the opportunity to relay boating safety information to the Spanish-speaking community. Pre-recorded and live feed interviews took place during the summer months.
Other Outreach to the Public
Life Jacket Loan Program
In 2005, additional fire districts in Placer and San Joaquin Counties joined the Department’s Life Jacket Loaner Program. A current list of loan locations can be found on the DBW website at http://dbw.ca.gov/lifejacket.asp.
Brochure—Boating Safety Classes
The Department completed work on a brochure that promotes hands-on boating safety courses and contains information on classes offered by aquatic centers have partnered with the Department. This brochure is currently being distributed.