Marine deputies target unsafe watercraft use

July 4, 2009 in City

Recent deaths of two teens highlight dangers of fast, powerful machines

Mike Prager
mikep@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5454

Spokane sheriff’s marine Deputy Thad Schultz gives personal watercraft owner Randy Brown a warning after Brown’s wife drove too close to another personal watercraft Tuesday on Long Lake. As the owner, Brown is responsible for the watercraft’s use.
(Full-size photo)

The deaths of two teens on North Idaho lakes in the past month are prompting increased patrols by sheriff’s deputies to stop dangerous personal watercraft practices on Inland Northwest waterways.

Sheriff’s marine deputies said many riders of the watercraft – such as Jet Skis and Sea-Doos – violate boating laws by running too fast or too close to other vessels, docks or shorelines.

Kootenai County this week planned to step up enforcement of personal watercraft rules and to cite violators. Spokane County deputies said they would patrol waterways for violations as well.

Laws in both states require that vessels, …

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July 4, 2009 in City