Washington State Parks & Recreation needs your help! The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission administers the state's Recreational Boating Safety Program. State Parks works with local government, both county and city, to ensure that all boating accidents are reported as required by RCW 79A.60.200, and described in WAC 352-70.
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all recreational boating accidents be reported within 30 days of the occurrence. This is a State requirement as well. With your help, we can close the gap and meet this requirement.
As firefighters, you are often the first responders to the scene of a boating incident. It is our goal to partner with you in our mission to ensure that all law enforcement agencies are aware of incidents that occur within your jurisdiction. We need each fire district to include the Sheriff's office or the Police department in their notification process so that they are in the loop and can comply with the reporting requirements.
For information and requirements on reporting boating accidents, please visit our website,www.parks.wa.gov, and click on the 'Boating Programs' link. I have attached a document titled 'BAR Reporting Conditions and Limitations' for your reference. I think you will find it very helpful.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact either Mark Kenny at (360) 902-8835 or by e-mail at mark.kenny@parks.wa.gov or Sherri Sweeney at (360) 902-8845 or by e-mail at sherri.sweeney@parks.wa.gov.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this very important endeavor.