Hb 216

HB 216 (BR 204) - J. Stewart III
AN ACT relating to boating safety.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 235 to require the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to design a flag to be raised by boaters in the event of an onboard medical emergency; require the flag to be available for immediate purchase or for order and later delivery at each place where a fishing license is sold; allow the department to charge an amount reasonably calculated to recover the costs it incurs in producing and providing the flag; specify that the department shall not require use of the flag but shall encourage its use; allow the design of the flag to be the same as an existing nationally or internationally recognized flag that is only flown in the event of an onboard medical emergency.

Jan 15-introduced in House
Jan 16-to Transportation

I like it. Sounds like good common sense.

I don't agree. Why get the government any more involved in our recreation than they already are? I've spent my entire life on the lakes and have never seen or had a medical emergency. If I had the flag in my boat, it would take an hour to find it anyway. That's what cell phones are for.

Yeah, but "dux" ..... not everyone has a cellphone, and not all cellphones work "everywhere" you go.

I'd prefer a "flag" over the "Need Help" boat cushions, air horns, or flare guns ... but, wondering about how someone (alone) would be able to raise the flag, and "on what", to get the attention of anyone in the immediate area.

Seeing as how it's not a mandatory requirement piece of equipment, but just a "suggested" & available one, I see no intrusion by gov'mnt.

... cp :kewl

Cell phone service (for my trac-phone) is hit or miss on Green River, so any means of getting help when needed adds a sense of well being. And, it's optional not mandatory.

I believe that due to a lack of education 99% of the people wouldn't even recognize the flag for what it is. I've seen boaters totally disregard diver flags. I guess there could be that 1 out of 100 that might recognize it and render assistance. I carry a cell phone and a VHF radio.

As long as It is NOT a requirement I guess I don't have a problem with it.

Sounds silly.

Where I boat most of the time I am the only one on the water. What good would it do?

If I see someone yelling and waving their arms at me, I will, and have, gone to their aid. If I'm in trouble and yell and wave and no one sees me, a flag won't make any difference. I agree with Mrdux, they shouldn't trespass into my boat.

Being a Paramedic, anything that would help when time is a factor could save a life.

On not having cell phone service, most cell phones are able to dial 911 when you cannot call a standard number by bumping off another service providers tower.

My little Ranger doesn't have a flag pole. :dono Oh ... I mean mast.