Inner Tubes May Float, But Officers Will Still Fine Users with No PFDs

Byline: Associated Press

FALL CITY, Wash. (AP) — Take an inner tube ride on the Snoqualmie River without a life jacket, and you may have something to mark your experience other than a suntan. Washington State Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officer Kim Chandler may fine you $87.

However, Chandler told a KING-TV reporter that he will give a warning first.

Most people don’t know that anyone on an inner tube is required to have a personal flotation device (PFD) with them when traveling down river. Chandler said the law requires all vessels in the state to have PFDs for everyone on board, and the law defines “vessels” as any watercraft being used for transportation.

Some judges agree with his interpretation and some don’t, so some people have successfully fought his citations in court.             Chandler said he’s just trying to prevent tragedies.

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