State Says Boats As Holiday Gifts Just Beginning – KXL

SALEM, OR – The Oregon State Marine Board says if you’re planning to give a friend or loved one a boat as a holiday gift, you should remember there is more to boating than just a boat, like required equipment, including a life jacket and whistle.

Boats come in all shapes and sizes and have associated required safety equipment out on the water. Paddlers need to have on board a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and a whistle. If out on the water at night or during periods of reduced visibility, paddlers also need to display a white light source, like a flashlight.

As for the cost for the additional required equipment, that depends. A comfortable, inherently buoyant vest-style life jacket can range in price, with inflatable belt packs being on the higher end. A whistle costs a few dollars, and a light source varies depending on the model and brand.

The other requirement is having a Waterway Access Permit, which all paddlecraft operators will need in 2026 when using the boat on the water. Permits are transferable to other paddlecraft, and youth under 14 do not need to have one.

Waterway Access Permit options cost $6 for a 7-day permit, $20 for an annual permit, and $35 for a 2-year permit. Money the state collects from you are supposed to be invested in improved or new non-motorized water access and will help expand boat inspection stations for aquatic invasive species through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The Marine Board also offers FREE online paddling courses to help newcomers learn the basic skills and techniques to stay safe.  To get more information, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.