Boaters Need To Be Safe On Johnson's Pond: Police

COVENTRY, RI — With summer in full swing, the Coventry Police department is asking all boaters to be safe on Johnson's Pond, specifically those with personal watercrafts such as Jet Skis. with a large amount of people using the pond on weekends, police are stepping up patrols in the area to make sure everyone follows the law.

Anyone operating a small watercraft is required to pass a boating safety course, and everyone on board must be wearing a life jacket. If the engine starter is connected to a lanyard, it must be attached to the driver in some way, either on their clothes, life jacket or some part of their body.

All drivers must operate their personal watercraft in a "reasonable, prudent manner," police said. Weaving in and out around other boats, swerving at the last minute, jumping the wake from other boats and operating closer than 200 feet away from swimmers, other boats or the shoreline are all illegal and anyone doing so can be ticketed.

More information on Coventry's watercraft rules is available in the town by-laws.