b'M A N U A L LY P R O P E L L E DV E S S E L SManually Propelled VesselsManually Propelled Vessel RegulationsVDS type lights. Paddling at these times can pose enhanced Stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, kayaks, canoes, andrisk and is not recommended. others are considered to be manually propelled vessels whenFlares- Depending on the length of a manually propelled they are physically powered by people. The U.S. Coast Guardvessel, certain flares are required to be carried at certain considers these crafts to be vessels unless they are beingtimes. Please see the table on page 20, for more information used in a surf zone or designated swim area. Anyone who ison whether you need to carry flares and what use they must using a manually propelled vessel is required to abide by allbe approved for. boating laws.Recommended Gear & Safety TipsLife Jackets- Connecticut law requires there be a prop-erly fitting life jacket for everyone onboard a manually pro- Take a Lesson- Before venturing out on the water, pelled vessel at all times. It also requires that all children lessconsider taking a paddling course. The time and money than thirteen years of age at any time during the year, and allyou spend are well worth the investment! Class topics may adults between Oct 1 and May 31, wear a properly fitting lifeinclude knowing how to dress, the correct paddle strokes, the jacket while onboard a manually propelled vessel.navigation rules, what equipment you should have, how to use Sound Producing Device- Connecticut and federal lawsthe equipment, what to do in an emergency, and being able require a sound producing device be onboard all vessels.to get back in your vessel if you capsize. These are skills that Navigation Lights- Anytime between sunset and sun- may lengthen your season. Many of the paddling related acci-rise or during daylight periods of reduced visibility, lights aredents and deaths in Connecticut could have been eliminated required on any vessel. For manually propelled vessels, lightsif the victims had received some form of education. may be in the form of anchor lights, bright white lights, orDo Not Paddle Impaired- Do not drink alcohol or use 362023 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'