San Diego County Reservoir Requirement

I'm new to float tubing and was planning on hitting up a local reservoir here in San Diego. I was reading the requirements and here is what it says:
"Float tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, and have 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the water line. They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. Any float tube that uses oars or has a motor must purchase a private boat use permit."

How does one get 144 square inches of international orange on their tube or person?

Thanks,
1morecast:D

144 square inches is a square that measures 12"X12". So you can either wear an orange vest or some how add an orange flag to your tube.

Oh and welcome to the boards

The Cumberland already has the orange where the two bladders meet.  My son's ODC420 doesn't, but his PDF is a standard international orange type so that fits the requirement.  You could wear an international orange hat or shirt, or just tie a rag to your tube if it's a concern.  Some tubes even have a slot on the back of the seat that accommodates those warning flags you see on ATVs in the desert.  Honestly, I see most tubers out there without the orange requirement and have never seen anyone stopped for it.  I see the importance though when the big boats are zippin' around and it would probably be even more important on the bay.  In reality, it's only 12"X12" (144 square") so it shouldn't be hard to comply.

Thanks..guys. That sounds simple enough. Once I get my fins and pfd, I'm going to break in the new tube. Anyone willing to let a rookie tag along on their next tube session let me know. I'm hoping to start off at Miramar Reservoir first and then hit up Mission bay once I get the hand of things.

I'll be dropping into Lower Otay in an hour or so and probably again on Saturday/Sunday. When are you getting your gear?

Hey Gatorfan,

I'm getting my tube next week and I hope to get the fins and pfd sometime this week. Once I'm all rigged up I'll shoot you a pm.

Thanks,
1morecast

Sounds good

My buddy painted his hat orange works great you can see BIM a me away

i would call the lake and ask if they inforce those rules not all lakes care about a pfd and having a horn or whistle (i no perris doesnt haha) or talk with someone that fishes the lake dont waste your money n get all that stuff and not need it down the road

Welcome to the board. As Lolly said, vest, or flag. I prefer the flag, since SD areas has notorious fast boaters that don't pay attention to surface huggers like tubers. If your float tube has a frame, set yourself up with a flag.