Paddle-boarders and kayakers beware: Not wearing your life vest could cost you.

Barrington Harbormaster Brian Hunt said recent changes to the state’s boating safety regulations include a new requirement for all people to wear a life jacket while using a kayak, paddle board or paddle-boat. No exceptions. 

“It’s mandatory now,” Hunt said. “You have to have a lifejacket on… Even if you’re 70 years old and you don’t care, you have to have a life jacket on.”

Previously, kayakers and others using paddle boards and paddle boats only needed to have a life jacket with them. It was not required that they wear it.

Hunt said the state made the change following a series of tragic accidents last year. 

“There were four drownings by kayakers last year,” Hunt said, adding that the kayakers were not wearing lifejackets. “And they were all good swimmers…”

The new rule has already surprised some folks boating in local waters. Hunt said one of the assistant harbormasters was out patrolling Barrington River and Hundred Acre Cove last week when he noticed a group of four kayakers — not a single one was wearing a life jacket. 

Hunt said the kayakers initially refused to put on their life jackets. But after a few minutes, and the fear of $100 fines, the kayakers slipped on their life jackets and paddled away. 

Hunt said harbor patrol officials and other law enforcement can issue tickets for a first time violation, although he said he is more likely to warn folks if they were not aware of the change. 

Hunt said that it has been a slow start to the boating season, with cool weather and rain on the weekends. He is expecting traffic to pick up dramatically once Barrington Public Schools let out for the summer. 

Hunt said speed restrictions throughout parts of Hundred Acre Cove help make the area a little bit safer for kayakers and paddle boarders.