Whether you jet ski, boat, or even fly above the water on a water jet pack, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office deputies want to make sure everyone is staying safe this holiday weekend.
"We know that in 100 degree weather a nice cold beer out on Lake Nacimiento while you're boating is a great thing," said SLO County Deputy John McKenney. "And then all the sudden it becomes a great thing when you have your second... third... fourth... fifth until pretty soon you are impaired."
McKenney said they are enforcing the law this weekend for those found to be violating boating rules and regulations, but that they are focused on educating the public on how to boat properly.
One of the ways the sheriff's office is accomplishing that is by conducting safety inspections to make sure those out on the water are in compliance.
"I generally like to drive our boat but I do not drive it when there is that many people in the water... I make sure my husband is the only one driving the boat and we watch out because we know there is probably a lot of people drinking out there too so we are very aware of that," said Erin Moya who is visiting Lake Nacimiento.
McKenney said there is always an increase in medical aid responses during holiday weekends due to more people hitting the lake.
Saturday evening a woman was airlifted from the lake due to a back injury and earlier Sunday sheriff deputies responded to a woman who had fallen on her boat and hit her head.
"We definitely are extra aware when it is busy... because accidents can happen super fast on the water," said Moya.
As of January fist of this year, anyone who is under the age of 25 is required to have a California boater's card issued by California's Division of Boating and Waterways.
Those who pass the test on boating rules and regulations will be granted the card. Next year, the age requirement will be increased to 35 years of age or younger, with consecutive years following the same trend.
