Bill > H2180

This bill amends Chapter 90B of the General Laws to enhance kayak safety by first defining "canoe" as a narrow, light boat propelled by paddles and "kayak" as a covered, lightweight boat propelled by a paddle. It then clarifies that existing regulations for "vessels" now explicitly include canoes and kayaks. Crucially, the bill introduces new requirements for individuals who work as paid kayak instructors, mandating that they obtain and maintain approved first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, as well as specific certifications from organizations like the American Canoe Association and the American Red Cross, or equivalent water safety training. Furthermore, instructors must train students on appropriate safety procedures based on paddling difficulty, and all beginner and novice kayakers using spray skirts during instruction must undergo "wet exit training," which is defined as practicing escaping a capsized kayak in a controlled water environment, with any liability release attempting to waive these safety requirements being declared void.