07/04/2009

Associated Press

Going river rafting this holiday weekend? Bring a life jacket. It's the law.

Oregon authorities are reminding people that life jackets are required aboard river rafts, just as the safety device is required for boats. Failure to use a life jacket can bring a steep citation of $242.

Lane County Sheriff's office Sgt. Jon Bock tells the Eugene Register-Guard that most people comply, but in the early days of summer the marine patrol reminds people of the law, usually angering some rafters.

But Bock says wearing a life jacket can help prevent drowning, especially if people choose to drink.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com