Canoeing Laws in Kansas
- Kansas encourages canoeists to be safe and learn the rules of boating.canoe image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
According to the Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas has more than 150 lakes, 55,000 ponds, and 10,000 stream miles for canoeists to enjoy. Kansas canoeists follow many of the same boating laws that power boats and sailboats have to obey, but they are exempt from a few laws such as the need to carry Type IV personal flotation devices. - Canoes don't need to be registered in Kansas because gasoline, diesel or electric motors don't power them and they don't have sails.
- Life jackets must be on board, but it's even better to wear them!zwei kanuten image by Otmar Smit from Fotolia.com
All boats, including canoes, must have one serviceable Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V personal flotation device (PFD) of the right size for each person on board. The PFD has to be easily accessible and in plain sight. It can't be in a closed compartment or wrapped inside material. Those 12 years old or younger have to wear a life jacket at all times. Canoes are exempt from the law requiring boats 16 feet or longer to carry a Type IV throwable flotation device. - Navigation lights must be used between sunset and sunrise or when visibility is restricted. Kansas recommends canoes less than 23 feet long show red and green sidelights that are visible from at least one mile away, and a stern light that's visible from at least two miles away. If that's not practical, the canoe should at least have one lantern or flashlight shining a white light. If moored outside a designated mooring area between sunset and sunrise, a canoe is required to display a white light that's visible in all directions.
- It's illegal to operate a canoe in any way that causes danger to other people, property or wildlife. This includes operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, entering a marked swimming area or other area where all boats are prohibited, and failing to observe navigation rules. Canoeists shouldn't weave through traffic or paddle in a way that means you have to swerve at the last moment to avoid a collision. It's also illegal to chase wildlife with your canoe.
- Canoeists are allowed to consume alcohol on board, but it's illegal to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a boat. Failure to submit to an alcohol or drug test means you'll lose boating privileges for three months. As of August, 2010, a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher is considered legally intoxicated. Those under 21 are considered intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration is .02 percent or higher.
- If you're involved in a boating accident, you are required to stop and help anyone who is injured unless doing so will put your boat and/or passengers in danger. You're also required to give your name, address, and vessel identification in writing to anyone who is injured or to the owner of damaged property. Accidents causing death or disappearance of someone, injury requiring more than first aid treatment, or property damage of $2,000 or more, must be reported to law enforcement officers or to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
- It's illegal to throw garbage, plastic or other trash into any federal or state water.
