Idaho water safety bill would set age limit

No one younger than 14 could operate a motorized boat or watercraft in Idaho unless they’re supervised by an adult and have passed an approved boating safety course under legislation introduced Thursday.

“This is about safety,” said Rep. Fred Wood, R-Burley.

Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, questioned the need for both adult supervision and the safety course.

“If we require them to go through the course, why can’t we forgive the obligation to have mandatory supervision?” he said.

State parks division administrator Dean Sangrey responded, “We just feel it’s appropriate, and it’s not unreasonable.”

The House Resources Committee agreed to introduce the bill, but several members, including Eskridge, voted no. The bill will be scheduled for a full hearing in the committee.