River-Swimming Without Life Vest Now Illegal Near Seattle
The latest sign that my entire childhood could be retroactively criminalized:
People who hope to beat the summer heat by swimming, floating or boating on rivers in King County must wear a life vest or face an $86 fine.
A divided County Council on Monday passed a personal flotation device ordinance by a five to four vote. Opponents said it was an intrusive move by "big government."
"This Council sometimes thinks it's everybody's mom," said Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, who voted "no." […]
Councilwoman Julia Patterson, a "yes" vote, said the same arguements […] made agains the life vest ordinance were also made against laws requiring child safety seats in automobiles and banning smoking in public places.
"We are improving the health for everyone because of these laws that we pass," she said.
Link via the Twitter feed of Mary Katharine Ham.
