Safety Equipment and Florida State Law
SUP Express provides USCG Approved Personal Flotation Devices and sound-producing device (whistle) with all of our rentals. Please read the following so you can familiarize yourself with Florida law and remain safe while Paddle Boarding.
USCG-APPROVED
Unless the paddleboard is being used within a “swimming, surfing or bathing area,” the paddleboard must have a USCG-approved life jacket for each person and a sound-producing device on board while on the water.
LIFE JACKET
Although persons on the paddleboard are not required to wear the life jacket while on Florida waters (unless they are less than 6 years of age), it is advisable to find a comfortable life jacket that you can wear or easily carry while on the water.
SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICE
A "sound-producing device" is a small whistle or horn that can be heard for a least one half nautical mile. "Referee-type" whistles or other similar devices that can be attached to your life jacket should work well.
FLASHLIGHT / LANTERN
If you are operating in limited visibility or at night, you will also need a flashlight or lantern that produces a white light. It should be displayed to approaching vessels in enough time to prevent a collision. The light should not be continually displayed.